Jose Mourinho says Marouane Fellaini's "destiny is in his hands" over his contract stand-off with Manchester United.
Mourinho said last week a deal with Fellaini "was close," but the midfielder has suggested in a interview with a Belgian football magazine he is still negotiating with the club and his future is not yet secure.
And the United boss told a news conference on Thursday he is "positive" the 30-year-old will stay, but he says the final decision will be up to the player.
"He's important, he's a player that I like but again, especially for him, he has a different position in relation to other players with contracts because we can control other players' destiny in another way," Mourinho said.
"In Marouane's case the destiny is in his hands. He knows I want him to stay, the club wants him to stay, he has an offer from us and it's up to him yes or no.
"I am still positive as he likes to be here, he likes the feeling of the manager trusting him and I think there is a good chance for him to stay but if he leaves so be it."
Mourinho says he is keen to keep his squad intact this summer as he looks to bridge the gap with Manchester City in the Premier League.
That extends to Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind, although the Portuguese coach hinted he is open to offers for the pair, who have only started six league games between them this season.
Sources have told ESPN FC Darmian is wanted by Juventus while Roma and Inter Milan are tracking Blind.
Mourinho added: "I think when a player wants to go, if that's the case and when the right offers arrive in the club, we study that because we always try to have the players happy.
"So if happiness means for them to leave let's see what happens but they are in my plans I don't want to sell I want to keep."