Chelsea captain John Terry tipped to join Manchester United

Chelsea captain John Terry could opt to reunite with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United should he leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, according to former player Ray Wilkins. The 35-year-old is out-of-contract at the end of the season and has not started a Premier League game since September.

The former England skipper picked up an ankle injury on his last start for the Blues against Swansea City but since returning to full fitness has featured for just one minute in the top flight. Antonio Conte has implemented a back-three which has helped propel the club towards a title challenge, but has marginalised the Terry in the process.

With Terry's lack of involvement unlikely to lead to a new contract at the end of the campaign, the four-time league champion can begin considering life after Chelsea. The Daily Mirror reported this week that Shanghai SIPG, managed by Andre Villas-Boas, will make a move for Terry in the January transfer window.

But Wilkins, who represented both the west Londoners and United as a player, does not believe such an offer would interest Terry, who could seek refuge under the wing of former boss Mourinho.

"I couldn't agree more [that Terry will snub a move to China]," he told talkSPORT, according to Goal.com. "I don't think China will be on John's radar. What about Old Trafford? He's not playing for Chelsea but I think he still has plenty to offer. There will be someone out there who would love to have him."

Terry embodied everything good about Mourinho during the Portuguese coach's two spells in charge at Chelsea. He won six major honours during Mourinho's time at the club and showed unwavering commitment to the now United boss.

Mourinho has recently criticised his United players for refusing to play through the pain barrier, insisting the club must undergo a culture change to be successful. Though Terry is coming to the twilight of his career he could fill a valuable role as a mentor to the younger members of the United defence including Eric Bailly, 22, Phil Jones, 24, Luke Shaw, 21, and Tim Fosu-Mensah, 18.