Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is being targeted by Premier League rivals, Leeds United this summer.
The 34-year-old midfield maestro had an impactful career at Old Trafford and he announced his departure last month as his contract had expired. Although he hasn’t found a new club yet, there is reportedly a lot of interest in the former Spanish international.
Throughout the year, he was linked to a few La Liga teams, but over a month after his contract in England expired, no deal has been finalized.
Spanish news source, AS claims that Leeds United are now interested in bolstering their midfield by signing Mata. Victor Orta, the club’s sporting director, spoke with the player’s father regarding a potential transfer in the coming weeks.
However, the player has not yet received a firm offer. Turkish powerhouses Galatasaray and Besiktas are also rumoured to be very interested in a move. Nevertheless, Leeds is reportedly the only team with a firm offer at the moment, with a chance that Mata will continue in the Premier League with his third club.
He was a frequent starter for Premier League foe, Chelsea, before joining Manchester United. The Spaniard had joined the Red Devils for a fee of around £37m in 2014.
The club had provided him with a new contract extension however he rejected the deal, and he remained with the team until 2022. According to the source, negotiations are reportedly going slowly as Mata chooses what may be his final club as a player this summer.
The midfielder made a lot of money at United last season, but it’s anticipated that he’ll take a significant pay cut to get some game time in what could be his final season.
