Nemanja Matic could be reunited with one of his keenest admirers if Inter Milan attempt to make the midfielder their third signing of the season from Manchester United.

The 31-year-old Serbia stalwart has been out of favour since the appointment of United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis in March, making just three Premier League appearances so far this season.

Matic was almost ever-present during three years at Chelsea, spending his final season with the club playing for Antonio Conte before joining United against the Italian's wishes in August 2017.

Nemanja Matic could be the third player this season to switch from Old Trafford to the San Siro

Antonio Conte rued the departure of Matic after Chelsea sold the midfielder to United in 2017

Inter are prepared to offer Matic a three-year contract worth around £4.25million per year in the January transfer window according to Corriere dello Sport, although United would have to accept a far smaller fee than the £74million they received from the Serie A side for Romelu Lukaku in August.

Fellow striker Alexis Sanchez has joined Lukaku in switching to the San Siro, completing a season-long loan weeks after Belgium's all-time record goalscorer made the move.

Matic is out of contract at the end of the season, although United have an option to extend his deal by a year should they decide to retain one of their few current defensive midfielders.

Matic played in United's lacklustre 2-0 Premier League defeat at West Ham United last month

Speaking to former United defender Gary Neville on Sky Sports after Matic moved to Old Trafford for £40million, Conte said: 'Matic knows very well what I think about him.

'He's a really good player, a strong player and very important for our team, but sometimes you must accept the crazy transfer market and you must accept different decisions. He's a great loss for us.'

Matic captained United for the first time in their unconvincing 1-0 Europa League group stage home win over Astana on September 19.

Matic will find familiar company should he sign for Inter, who bought Romelu Lukaku in August

Chile forward Alexis Sanchez also moved to Inter from United in August on a season-long loan

'To be the captain of Manchester United is something special, of course, and brings a lot of responsibility,' he said after leading an inexperienced team to a late victory.

'I hope that it is not the last time - as I said, it's a big responsibility and I'm proud of that.

'There are a lot of young guys in the team. After Sergio Romero, I think I was the oldest, which was strange - but this is life.'