Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to hand Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini new contracts, while Ander Herrera and Phil Jones are also in line for new deals before the end of the year.

According to Daniel Cutts at The Sun, United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to avoid any of his first-team stars leaving for free next summer.

Mata, Herrera and Fellaini are all out of contract at the end of the season but have been in negotiations "for a number of weeks over extensions and improved terms."

Mata's future at Old Trafford looked uncertain when Mourinho took over in May 2016, as the Portuguese was Chelsea manager when the Blues sold the midfielder to United in 2014.

However, the Spaniard has proved to be a key player for Mourinho's United. Squawka Football recently made note of his impact since arriving in English football in 2011:

Mata's creativity, vision and skill on the ball mean he offers something different, and he also has the uncanny knack of scoring in important games, such as the 2016 FA Cup final. 

Fellaini is another player who has defied expectations to become an important player for United, having scored four goals already this season in all competitions.

The Belgian is sidelined through injury, and his impact was missed in Saturday's goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield, according to Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News:

Ander Herrera came in for Fellaini against the Reds and is usually the man for the big occasion, per football writer Liam Canning:

Jones, meanwhile, will be handed a new contract to reward his fine form this season.

The defender seems to have shrugged off the injury problems that have plagued him in recent years to become a rock at the heart of the United defence.

The Red Devils have conceded just two Premier League goals this season, and Jones has started every game.

The 25-year-old also impressed at Anfield, according to Luckhurst:

All four players have made important contributions this season, and with contracts expiring, it is little surprise United are eager for them to commit their futures to the club.

The club is also reportedly interested in Benfica teenager Umaro Embalo and scouted the youngster in the UEFA Youth League clash on Wednesday, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

According to Press Association Sport (h/t Callum Vurley at the Daily Express), Embalo was watched along with 17-year-old Joao Felix.

Embalo came on during the second half, while Felix started the game, which Benfica led 2-0 before the visitors came back to earn a draw.

The Press Association's Simon Peach explained the club's interest in Felix:

Embalo is a pacy, exciting forward who can play as either a striker or a winger, although United are not the only big club interested in his services, per the report.

United are well-stocked for forwards, with Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial all in form, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is nearing a return to fitness.

However, the Old Trafford club still appears to be keeping an eye on the brightest talents around the continent, although it remains to be seen whether they are preparing to make any moves.