Marouane Fellaini on Man Utd Future, Contract Talks: 'I Am in a Strong Position'

Marouane Fellaini has said he is in "a strong position" in contract talks with Manchester United because manager Jose Mourinho has stated he wants to keep the Belgium international. 

Fellaini has criticised the Manchester outfit for not offering him a new deal sooner—his contract expires in the summer—and hinted it would cost a lot of money to replace him, per Sport Voetbal magazine (via the Telegraph):

"The entire staff is doing everything I can to stay. The club did not renew my contract last year. Now I am in a strong position, especially since Mourinho has stated that he wants to keep me. Last year I went to the coach and I said that I wanted a new contract. I then had a second meeting, but I will not ask it 10 times.

"Afterwards I became important for the team...and a good player costs at least €50 million (£44 million). The club knows that they went wrong there."

The 30-year-old highlighted his ongoing importance to United by coming off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Despite not being universally beloved by United fans, the Belgian is a useful weapon, and Mourinho often turns to him when he needs to change things up, per ESPN FC's Rob Dawson:

Fellaini has been at United since 2013, when he was bought from Everton by former manager David Moyes, but it is clear he will not accept the first offer United presented him with.

He told Sport Voetbal he is "open to everything," and that includes a potential move to the Chinese Super League: "[I] would not have a problem with life in China."

His comments are likely to receive a mixed reaction at Old Trafford and among United's fans.

Many will take issue with his criticism of the club, while there will be others who sympathise with the fact it has taken so long for United to offer him a new deal.

Progress is reportedly being made, though, with Fellaini's representatives set to meet the club, per Belgian football writer Kristof Terreur:

If an agreement cannot be reached, Fellaini will depart for free this summer. The Telegraph credits Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Fenerbahce and Besiktas with interest in the midfielder.

He is replaceable, especially given he is not a regular starter. But considering how effective he can be, he may be missed if he departs Old Trafford.