JOSE MOURINHO is close to signing Nemanja Matic for a third time.

Ex-Chelsea midfielder Matic is reportedly in contract talks with Mourinho's Roma after announcing he will leave Manchester United on a  free transfer this summer.

The 33-year-old appears to have jumped before risking being pushed by incoming United boss Erik ten Hag.

The anchorman matches Mourinho's preference for reliable team players.

Ex-Real Madrid chief Mourinho lured Matic to Chelsea in 2014 and United three years later.

And the 48-cap star is expected to be the Portuguese manager's fifth recruit from the Premier League.

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Former United centre-back Chris Smalling, ex-Old Trafford winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan, England striker Tammy Abraham from Chelsea and ex-Wolves keeper Rui Patricio have helped Roma to fifth in Serie A.

Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb say Matic's representatives are already in negotiations  with the Italian club.

Mourinho himself hinted at a reunion with his reply when Matic revealed on Instagram he would be moving on at the end of this season.

The one-time Special One responded: “Proud to be part of your history.” 

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Some Roma fans immediately urged Mourinho to bring in the star he first signed eight years ago from Benfica.

Matic's 27 games for United this season include two assists.

But the Old Trafford No6 role has come under a piercing microscope this term.

That's put pressure on men like Matic, Fred and Scott McTominay.

And many observers predict the Red Devils will target world class upgrades like West Ham's England ace Declan Rice in the summer.

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