Marouane Fellaini's future in doubt amid Manchester United talks

Marouane Fellaini rejected a contract offer from Manchester United in September

Manchester United are facing an uphill struggle to keep Marouane Fellaini at the club.

United have been locked in contract talks with the Belgian since last season with Jose Mourinho determined to keep Fellaini in his squad.

Fellaini, who turns 30 next week, was offered a new contract in September but rejected the deal.

United remain hopeful that they can still reach an agreement with him.

Fellaini's current contract expires at the end of the season and potentially he could sign a pre-contract agreement with another side in January.

It is understood Manchester United will not look to sell Fellaini in the next transfer window, regardless of his contract situation, and are willing to risk him leaving in the summer for nothing.

Last month, Mourinho admitted he was "worried" about Fellaini's contract situation.as follows

Jose Mourinho admits he is "worried" over the current contract situation surrounding Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini's contract is due to expire at the end of the season after United activated a one-year extension earlier this year, leaving him free to speak to other clubs in the January window.

The 29-year old has played a key role in United's start to the season, scoring four goals in eight games

And Mourinho, who also has defender Luke Shaw nearing the end of his own deal next year, has revealed his concern at the possibility of Fellaini becoming a free-agent in the summer.

"I'm worried about Fellaini and not about Luke Shaw because Fellaini finishes his contract and Luke Shaw doesn't," Mourinho said.

Fellaini joined Manchester United from Everton for £27.5m in September 2013 and has become an important player during Mourinho's reign at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho says Luke Shaw is only being honest after the defender admitted he would like to play under Mauricio Pochettino at some point in the future

The midfielder scored four goals in eight starts for the club this season before injuring his knee on duty for Belgium against Bosnia and Herzegovina on October 7.

Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Ashley Young are all coming to the end of their own contracts at United with each having the option to a further one-year extension, which the club indicate will be triggered.