Marouane Fellaini is considering interest from Roma, Marseille and clubs in the Chinese Super League as the Belgium international is preparing to leave Manchester United, sources have told ESPN FC.
The 30-year-old, a £27.5 million signing from Everton in August 2013, has so far rejected United’s offer of a new contract to replace the one expiring at the end of this season.
United manager Jose Mourinho had been keen for the club to sanction a new deal for the midfielder, but having rejected an initial offer in September, Fellaini has continued to rebuff the efforts of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to persuade him to commit to new terms.
Fellaini turned down interest from Galatasaray and Besiktas during the January transfer window, but he has been injured and fallen out favour since the turn of the year as Mourinho has handed him just two first-team starts.
Mourinho has made it clear to Woodward that he wants midfield reinforcements this summer — a priority even before Michael Carrick decided to retire after the season — and there remains an outside hope at the club that Fellaini will agree to a one- or two-year extension.
But with United leading the chase for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, Fellaini is leaning toward a move from Old Trafford in order to play regular football elsewhere and take advantage of being a free agent this summer.
While sources have told ESPN FC that Fellaini is open to a move to China, where he would be guaranteed a much more lucrative salary than if he was to stay in Europe, the interest from Roma and Marseille is also appealing.
Roma, who must overturn a 5-2 semifinal first-leg deficit against Liverpool at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday to progress to the Champions League final, are happy to pay substantial wages for players signed on free transfers.
Marseille, one of France’s biggest clubs, regard Fellaini as possessing the top-level experience to help them close the gap on Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain next season.
Mark Ogden is a senior football writer for ESPN FC. Follow him @MarkOgden_
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