Manchester United remain hopeful of keeping Marouane Fellaini, but they want him to sign his new deal before the end of the season.

Sources close to United have confirmed to me that they believe new talks, which are scheduled for this weekend, will see a new deal signed by the Belgian midfielder.

Fellaini has admitted to be annoyed that he is getting to the final few months of his contract, but it is understood his priority is to stay as he knows he is trusted by Jose Mourinho.

“I am now 30 years old, at the end of my contract and negotiating with Manchester United,” Fellaini told Sport Voetbal Magazine. 

“There are several clubs that show interest. I’m waiting for what’s going to happen.

“The entire (United) staff is doing everything so I can 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.”

And Mourinho admits they are working hard on a new deal, saying: “I’m still positive. He’s important. He’s a player that I like. But he has a different position in relation to other players with contracts. We can control other players’ destiny but in Marouane’s case, the destiny is in his hands.

“He knows I want him to stay, the club wants him to stay, he has an offer from us and it’s up to him to say yes or no. I am still positive, as he likes to be here, he likes the feeling of the manager trusting him and I think there is a good chance for him to stay. But if he leaves, so be it.”

There are a number of foreign clubs showing an interest in Fellaini – with Paris Saint Germain, both Milan clubs – AC & Inter, and Atletico Madrid all ready to make an offer, whilst numerous clubs in China are hoping to persuade him to move to Asia with a big money offer.

However, I also understand that Fellaini’s party are keeping a close eye on the managerial changes taking place this summer in England – particularly Arsenal and Chelsea, which could yet see those two come in strong.

But United believe they will persuade Fellani to not go on the open market as a free agent and put pen-to-paper on fresh terms at Old Trafford.

Bookmakers are convinced that Fellaini will be staying put and PaddyPower make him 4/6 to be with United next season.

Spokesman Paddy Power said: “He may have scored a winner against Arsenal last weekend, but his comments this week are sure to have sent Jose into a frenzy.

“And, while he’s holding United to ransom, we think a trip back to Goodison Park could be on the way… Because sending old stock back worked so well with Rooney this season.”