Barcelona are considering an approach for Manchester United’s Spain international Juan Mata, it has been claimed in Spain.
AS says the name of Mata has been raised due to uncertainty over Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez, with the former a candidate to leave Camp Nou this summer and the latter coming into the autumn of his years.
Mata is said to be a player who would fit in with what new Coach Luis Enrique wants to bring to Barca and the Catalans have previously enquired about the player.
Barca were interested in Mata in 2010 when he left Valencia for Chelsea, as well as registering their interest a year ago when Mata was still at Stamford Bridge. Mata left Chelsea for United in January.
Mata’s left-footed disposition is understood to be attractive to Barca and he would be asked to compete for a place with the likes of Rafinha and Gerard Deulofeu, who will return to the club following loan spells at Celta Vigo and Everton.
Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is also said to have begun negotiations for Claudio Bravo, the Real Sociedad goalkeeper.
