Turkish Süper Lig giants Galatasaray SK is reportedly pursuing Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini before the summer transfer window ends as initial target Lucas Leiva could choose to stay with Liverpool.
The Daily Express reported that the 28-year-old Belgium international is "wanted by Turkish giants Galatasaray" as a second option to Leiva, "who looks set to stay at Liverpool".
Reports were previously out that Reds head coach Jürgen Klopp has approved the sale of Leiva to the Yellow-Reds, but negotiations have stalled and now the 29-year-old defensive midfielder is said to be keen on remaining at the Anfield to compete in the Premier League next season.
Fellaini had struggled in his first three seasons with United as he was never really a fan-favorite at the Old Trafford. His recent blunder in the Red Devils' Community Shield encounter with Leicester City that cost them a point did not do anything to help improve his reputation with the club's fans and supporters, as per the Daily Express.
The 6-foot-5 Brussels, Belgium native was acquired from Everton in September of 2013 for a reported fee of £27.5 million and had appeared in a total of 88 games in all competitions, scoring 11 goals in the process.
This year, he was a consistent starter for new United manager Jose Mourinho in the 4-2-3-1 formation during the preseason and have also started against Bournemouth on Sunday. However, he is expected to take a back seat once world record transfer signing Paul Pogba becomes available in the team's second Premier League match on Friday versus Southampton.
Meanwhile, Turkish giants Galatasaray is "desperate to end Fellaini's United nightmare" and add him to their roster next season.
Caught Offside noted, though, that the Lions' interest on Fellaini is only for a temporary loan deal and not a permanent transfer.
However, Fellaini is said to be keen on fighting for his place in Mourinho's squad despite the arrival of Pogba as he thinks he can still be a valuable rotational player moving forward. At the moment, Fellaini contends with vice-captain Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, and Morgan Schneiderlin for a place in the starting XI.
"When you play for United you have to have competition. There are a lot of good players with quality, but I'm confident," Fellaini said. "Everyone has to fight for his place; I think that's why you give everything on the pitch. It's not easy, so if you're not good or you don't do well, the other players then take your place and I think they always push you to be the best."
"I think I can help the team, I can contribute, I can do well for this team. I think the manager trusts me - he knows what I can do, he knows my qualities and that is important. I want to give everything for the team," he added.