Barca lining up Mata move?

Barcelona are preparing an approach for Manchester United’s Juan Mata, reports in Catalonia claim, despite operating under a transfer embargo.

Mundo Deportivo report that the Spain international is on La Blaugrana’s radar amid suggestions Barca would be allowed to sign players despite the sanction, just not register them before January 2016.

It’s acknowledged that any move would be complicate by this but Mata’s versatility – able to play in attack, wide, or in midfield – combined with the feeling he isn’t part of Louis van Gaal’s plans, have encouraged the club.

Barca have more than once held interest in the former Valencia and Chelsea player but never made it concrete with a concerted effort to seal his signature.

Mata is a player wanted by everyone at Camp Nou and not just the Coach, Luis Enrique, MD note, as Enrique’s position is still in doubt for the long run because of the end-of-season elections.

No fee is mooted but it is expected United would hold out for as much of a return on their €47m investment as possible, while Barca would look to negotiate the price down.

Mata moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in January 2014 and Barca believe they need to increase the quality of the squad available to the Coach, whereas Paul Pogba is mentioned as a player to bolster the physical side of the team.

Tags Juan Mata Manchester United
La Liga - Club News