Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Marouane Fellaini wants more than 1-year deal to stay at Man United - sources

MANCHESTER -- Marouane Fellaini would prefer to stay at Manchester United this summer but is keen to sign a longer deal than the one currently on the table, sources have told ESPN FC.

The Belgian, who scored the winner against Arsenal on Sunday, is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave Old Trafford for free.

He turned down an offer in September but after positive talks with the club, Jose Mourinho revealed the 30-year-old is "close" to agreeing new terms.

United have often chosen to offer players over 30 one-year extensions. But sources said Fellaini is reluctant to sign on for just 12 months and would prefer a contract more in line with the one Antonio Valencia agreed in 2017.

The Ecuador international, then 31, signed a two-year contract with the option of another season.

Mourinho and United are keen for Fellaini to stay, but the midfielder does have other options, with sources saying there is interest from clubs in France, Italy, Turkey and China.

Mourinho is set to keep a close eye on developments ahead of a summer during which he hopes to bolster his midfield.

He has already targeted a central midfielder to replace Michael Carrick, who will retire at the end of the season.

If Fellaini leaves, Mourinho is likely to sign a second midfielder to compensate for the loss of a player who has played 68 times since he took charge.

Meanwhile, sources also said the club are hopeful Romelu Lukaku will be fit for the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 19.

The striker, who has scored 27 goals this season, was forced off with an ankle injury during the 2-1 win over Arsenal and will be assessed by medical staff this week ahead of the trip to Brighton on Friday.

The 24-year-old had a scan on Monday but will undergo further tests before the game at the Amex Stadium.

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