The transfer window hasn’t quite closed yet, and there might be some bad news for the Manchester United fans as FC Barcelona reportedly want to sign Juan Mata.
This could be a killer blow for Manchester United, who are currently struggling to create chances. To top that off, if they lose one of their best playmakers,it would be really difficult to see who will be dictating their play from midfield in the future.
However, according to a report in Spanish outlet Don Balon [via Joe.co.uk] the Catalans are interested in getting the former Valencia CF player, in a bid to strengthen the midfield. FC Barcelona have an ageing Andres Iniesta in their midfield and could be looking at Mata as a replacement for his fellow Spaniard, on the long term.
Iniesta is 31 years old right now and there are questions over whether he can play 30-odd games in the season anymore. With FC Barcelona playing 38 league games and going deep into the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League competitions, Mata is set to get ample opportunities at the Camp Nou.
FC Barcelona need to dig deep into their pockets
Mata is clearly one of the best players on Manchester United’s roster right now, and the Red Devils are unlikely to let him go cheaply. Transfermarkt rates the Spaniard at around €34 million, but the Catalans would probably have to pay Manchester United a lot more than that.
Champions League to Lure Mata Away?
One thing that Mata would definitely have at FC Barcelona is Champions League football, something that is not guaranteed at Manchester United right now. They are currently on the fifth spot on the Premier League table, five points behind Tottenham Hotspur, and might end up missing out on a top-four finish this season. Manchester United have already crashed out of the competition this season and Champions League football is something that could pull the Spaniard away from Manchester.
