Manchester United Transfer News: Marouane Fellaini Update, Daley Blind Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly "desperate" to keep hold of Marouane Fellaini beyond the expiration of his contract this summer, but Daley Blind could be allowed to leave the club as rumours of Barcelona's interest swirl.

Mourinho has previously referred to Fellaini as an essential part of his squad, and ESPN (h/t Daily Star's Callum Vurley) reported the Portuguese tactician has been given a boost by the United board offering the player a new deal.

It's been known for some time the Red Devils are struggling to convince the Belgium international to stay, however. The Telegraph (h/t Metro) reported in December that Fellaini, who earns £75,000 per week, is hoping to net a salary somewhere in the region of £170,000 per week.

Sky Sports' Bryan Swanson confirmed on Tuesday talks between the two parties are ongoing, while Turkish Football's Emre Sarigul has suggested more lucrative options exist in the Super Lig:

A move elsewhere seems likely after Fellaini reportedly told Mourinho he's looking for a new challenge outside of the Premier League, per The Sun's Neil Custis.

Despite holding great worth to United and Mourinho, Fellaini may not be valued enough to pull level with some of the club's highest earners, and blogger Liam Canning thinks this may be the time to part ways:

The 30-year-old will become a free agent in the summer should he fail to agree new terms, and it seems unlikely Mourinho would agree to sell the former Everton man for a quick injection of cash in January.

However, Fellaini's recent social media activity suggests he's happy for the time being after returning from injury:

Meanwhile, defensive outcast Blind is said to be weighing up his options and could leave the club at the end of this season after falling out of favour under Mourinho, per ESPN (h/t Daily Star's Andy Wilson).

It's said Mourinho won't stand in Blind's way if he chooses to leave, although the rumours of Barcelona's interest may not satisfy his desire to find more first-team minutes.

The Netherlands international, who was signed from Ajax for £13.8 million in the summer of 2014, initially made a good impression under Mourinho's predecessor, Louis van Gaal.

However, the incumbent manager now has other options in central defence, with Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo all above Blind in the pecking order when fully fit.

The Daily Telegraph recently reported United opted to trigger a clause in Blind's contract and extend his deal to June 2019, guaranteeing they'll be able to sell the player for a fee should he leave this summer (h/t Metro).