Juan Mata could be a Manchester United player by the end of the week, if they agree to pay at least £40million for his signature.
The Reds were interested in the Spanish international during the summer, a move which looked hugely unlikely due to his importance to Chelsea last season. Mata was the key man for the Blues as they finished third in the Premier League and won the UEFA Europa League, but it has been a different story this time round.
Jose Mourinho prefers an attacking midfield of Eden Hazard, Oscar and now Willian, which has left the former Valencia man restricted to just 14 starts in all competitions. After reacting angrily when substituted against Southampton on New Year’s Day, the Portuguese coach indicated he would be willing to let the playmaker leave.
It was always thought that should this be the case, the 25-year-old would only be sold abroad where Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St Germain have been linked. However, it emerged on Monday evening that United were still keen on signing Mata, and were lining up an offer to take him to Manchester this month.
This has been followed up by all the major tabloids on Tuesday morning, and The Independent have gone as far as to suggest a deal could be complete by the end of the week. However, this could depend on three things: Mata formally asking for a transfer; Mourinho agreeing to let him join a rival; and United smashing their transfer record by paying the Londoners a fee in excess of £40million.
David Moyes has insisted he has cash to spend on a squad which is in desperate need of bolstering, and his words could now be tested in the coming days. Having lost seven league matches already, the reigning champions are in real danger of missing out on a top-four finish for the first time since the inception of the Premier League, so the introduction of Mata could be the boost they so desperately need.
Meanwhile, United have also been linked with Bayern Munich defender Dante. The 30-year-old stated on Tuesday that he was aware of interest from the Old Trafford club, and whilst no agreement had yet been reached, there should be some news by the end of the month. It is also know, though, that he has recently been in discussions over a new contract with the European champions, so there is always the possibility his words were designed to accelerate this process.
