Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted he has mixed emotions over the exit of midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who is on the verge of moving to Everton.

The France international joined United, who are priced at 17.00 to win the Premier League, in July 2015 for £25million from Southampton to link up with Louis van Gaal.

The 27-year-old has featured 47 times for the club but he has been restricted to just eight matches in all competitions this term.

Reports have linked the midfielder with an exit throughout the first half of the campaign and Everton appear to be close to finalising his move.

Mourinho revealed that Schneiderlin’s exit was imminent following United’s 2-0 victory over Hull in the EFL Cup semi-final first-leg clash on Tuesday.

However, the Portuguese admitted his departure will be bittersweet because he believes the former Strasbourg man could have played a role at Old Trafford.

Mourinho said: “Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward informed me that the situation is close. Morgan is more than probably going to Everton.

“I am sad and happy, sad because I like him and he could be an option for us, happy because this is what he wants, to play every game and be important in the team.”

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his squad in January as he looks try and make a push for European football.

It is understood the Toffees will part with around £22million for Schneiderlin as Koeman moves closer to making his second winter signing following the addition of Ademola Lookman from Charlton.