Chelsea FC news: Selling Nemanja Matic to Manchester United could come back to bite Blues and Antonio Conte, warns Mario Melchiot

Mario Melchiot has expressed his surprise at reports Chelsea are willing to sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.

Matic was a key part of Antonio Conte's side last season as they clinched the Premier League title, but it is understood he is closing in on a £40million move to rivals United.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, former Chelsea star Melchiot said letting the Serbian join a direct rival could came back to 'bite' the Blues.

"He was very crucial in some games Chelsea played last season and I think he did extremely well, even if he wasn’t starting every game," he said.

"There was a good balance in the midfield, sometimes with him or Fabregas next to Kante.

"You don’t want to make your rivals stronger, especially in the midfield where Jose Mourinho is always focused on having a strong midfield.

"If he [Conte] makes the choice to let him go to Man United, he better have good backing because, if not, it might come back and bite you later."