Jose Mourinho has asked Manchester United’s board to stop at nothing to keep Marouane Fellaini at Old Trafford beyond this season.

The big Belgian’s contract expires after this season, but Jose Mourinho sees him as an important squad member.

However, Fellaini feels undervalued in England and has told Mourinho he is looking for a new challenge.

The club has offered him a new two years contract worth the same £120,000 per week he currently earns with the option of an additional year, but the Belgian is not interested in signing.

Fellaini was the first player to join Manchester United after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, but he was one of the players who were trusted by David Moyes in the Scots man’s ill-fated spell, and the fans never appreciated him.

Last season was the first time he really enjoyed his Old Trafford career as Jose Mourinho used him for a total of 47 times in all competitions and they won the Community Shield and Europa League.

There is a shortage of takers around Europe at the moment, but a move to China has also been muted.

Fellaini wants to keep his option open right until the end of the season.