Barcelona want to sign Mata from Man Utd on a free with contract set to expire
Spanish midfielder, 30, is free to discuss a move to any club outside England as his deal expires at the end of the season
BARCELONA want to land Juan Mata for NOTHING after his contract wrangle at Manchester United.
Mata’s deal runs out in the summer meaning he is free to discuss a move to any club outside England.
And Barca have opened negotiations by contacting the midfielder’s father and agent, Juan Sr.
The Spanish star, a £37.1million signing from Chelsea in 2014, wants a two-year deal but has only been offered 12 months.
Barca see the former schemer, 30, as a no-lose transfer option.
He could be in the starting rotation even if he did not play every big game.
And by giving Mata a multi-season deal they can cash in by selling him next summer, if he does not get enough game-time.
It is another headache for newly-confirmed United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian is aware of Real Madrid’s interest in Paul Pogba and David De Gea, with the keeper’s contract also set to end.
United, meanwhile, climbed into the Premier League's top four on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Watford.