Manchester United have been told to pay £40million for Juan Mata after the champions stepped up their interest in the Chelsea outcast.
Despite posturing from both clubs, Chelsea are willing to sell the Spanish playmaker if United match their valuation — and David Moyes is believed to be on the brink of making an offer.
The deal is complicated because Chelsea still have an interest in Wayne Rooney, but United will not sell the striker.
United manager Moyes wants to add Mata to his squad and the club have the cash to seal a deal for the Chelsea midfielder.
Moyes, who is preparing for the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland, needs fresh blood.
United lost for the seventh time in the league this season when Jose Mourinho’s team beat them 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
They believe a deal can be done for Mata, 25, and Chelsea will sell if United find £40m.
United have been given enough encouragement to make their move for a player who has not featured in the Chelsea side since he was substituted against Southampton on New Year’s Day. Chelsea’s player of the year for the past two seasons is desperate to leave Stamford Bridge.
He reacted badly when Mourinho substituted him at St Mary’s in the 53rd minute. Chelsea went on to beat Southampton 3-0 and the manager said then the ‘door was open’ if players wanted to leave.
Mata has failed to convince the Portuguese manager of his worth since Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge last summer.
The midfielder fears he will lose his place in Spain’s squad for the World Cup if he is not playing regularly between now and the end of the season.
Many Chelsea players sympathise with Mata’s position, but Mourinho has more confidence in Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian.
Although Mourinho’s decision to cut Mata adrift appears to have been vindicated, the Spanish playmaker remains a popular member of the squad and he is still adored by supporters. Mourinho has claimed he wants Mata to stay, but he didn’t rule out the possibility of the player leaving if he demanded to go.
Written by Steve Milne
