La Liga giants lining up move for Man United midfielder

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly planning a January move for midfielder Nemanja Matic, who has fallen out of favour at Manchester United.

The Serbia international has been limited to just five appearances for the Red Devils this term and only three of those have come in the English top-flight.

According to ESPN, Atleti are keeping a close eye on the player's developments and they are likely to make a winter move, should the midfielder indicate the desire to leave Old Trafford.

Matic's current deal is due to expire at the end of the campaign but United will most likely trigger the 12-month extension clause available, for which they don't need the consent of the midfielder.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are currently not looking at the prospect of offloading Matic at the turn of the year but the arrival of a new midfielder could aide the Serbian's departure from the club.

Matic has recently returned to training following a six-week absence due to an undefined injury. He is unlikely to make the matchday squad for the weekend's game against Sheffield United due to the lack of fitness.