Jose Mourinho has admitted that Marouane Fellaini remains a "very important player" for Manchester United and hopes to see the midfielder sign a contract extension.

The Belgium international has been offered a new deal at Old Trafford to keep him in place beyond the end of the campaign, when his current terms are due to expire.

Fellaini has reportedly turned down the chance to extend his stay in Manchester, however, and is now able to speak to foreign clubs regarding a free transfer at the end of the season.

United boss Mourinho is not giving up hope of persuading the former Everton man to stick around, though, and has hinted that an agreement could yet be reached.

"He is a very important player for me. He is a great professional that is giving everything he can to help the team," he told reporters at Monday's presser. "There is a desire from myself, the board and the player to stay together.

"That is our objective. Are we going to reach other things? Are we going to agree? I don't know. What I do know is myself, the board and the player - we would like to have a happy end. I am happy with his contribution.

"He is being a great professional for us and I know he wants to stay with us - that is very important. He knows that I want him and the club wants him - this is also important for him - but then there is also a paper to sign and you only sign a paper when you are happy with what is written in the paper. So let's see if that is possible."

Fellaini has been used 14 times in all competitions this season, but he has started just three times in the Premier League.