Manchester United could be charged ‘Lukaku tax’ if they sign Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic

Roman Abramovich is reportedly willing to allow Matic to leave the Premier League champions, in recognition of his efforts at the West London club.

The 28-year-old has spent five-and-a-half years as a Chelsea player across two spells, helping win the Premier League title twice and is well regarded at Stamford Bridge.

He has been left at home for Chelsea’s pre-season tour to China and Malaysia as a deal is hammered out, though it appears Jose Mourinho will have to pay over the odds for his former player.

Mourinho was left furious with his former boss Abramovich whilst at Chelsea, as he allowed Petr Cech to join Arsenal for a cut-price £10 million. However, it is believed that the Russian billionaire won’t allow Matic to leave on the cheap after Chelsea lost out to United in their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believed his side were leading the race to sign the Belgian striker, only for the Old Trafford club to offer Everton a deal that could rise to as much as £90m.

United have already seen a bid of £35m rejected by Chelsea for Matic, and it is believed that Chelsea’s valuation will now reflect what is being referred to inside the club as “Lukaku tax”. Any potential deal could also be inflated due to reported interest from Serie A champions Juventus.