Manchester United approached Premier League rivals Chelsea for a potential sale of Nemanja Matic as Jose Mourinho allegedly wants the defensive midfielder back to his side at the Old Trafford.

New United head coach Mourinho has reportedly begun opening a "line of discussion" with the Stamford Bridge residents for the possible transfer of the 27-year-old Matic to the Red Devils this summer.

Like Us on Facebook

The Serbia international had been one of the key players during Mourinho's championship run with Chelsea in 2014-2015 and his close relationship with the Portuguese mentor is also said to be one of the factors why he is a wanted man in Manchester.

Famed football reporter Gianluca Di Marzio recently disclosed that the Special One is "keen for a reunion with the midfielder" and that United had already spoken to Chelsea about activating his release clause, according to the Daily Star.

However, the report mentioned that Mourinho's interest on Matic "may come as a surprise to some" after their alleged beef against one another last season after the then Chelsea coach substituted the Serbian after spending just 15 minutes on the field in a loss to Southampton.

The 6-foot-4 Šabac, SFR Yugoslavia native refused to publicly criticize his favorite mentor afterward, but rumors emerged of a slow fallout between the two until Mourinho was sacked in December.

Matic said to have proven his value in the pitch during his first two seasons at the Bridge, both under Mourinho, and it was only in this recently concluded term that his form had significantly dropped.

Caught Offside noted that at 27 years old, Matic is still in his prime years and United could see "the talented box-to-box operator" back to top form once he arrives at the Old Trafford.

It is expected, though, that the Pensioners may reject any offers from the Red Devils as they will surely think twice about unloading one of their top defensive midfielders especially to one of their greatest Premier League rivals.

TagsFootball News & Rumors, Football News & Rumors 2016, Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Nemanja Matic, Chelsea FC