Man Utd want Juan Mata to become club ambassador at end of playing career but Arsenal target could still leave in summer
United trying to tie midfielder down to a new contract for next season despite interest from Gunners and abroad and also see a long-term role for Spaniard with the club
MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to offer an ambassadorial role to Juan Mata when he finishes his career - even if he leaves the club this summer.
Mata is in the final few months of his contract at Old Trafford and has still not reached agreement over extending his stay.
The 30-year-old has been targeted by Arsenal and a string of sides abroad as he ponders the next move in his career.
But the say no matter what the outcome of his contract talks, United are already planning to have him working for them once he has hung up his boots.
Mata has long been respected in football for his work off the pitch which sees him try to stay close to the supporters.
And his Common Goal charitable initiative, which sees footballers donate one per cent of their salaries to not-for-profit organisations, has already raised over £1million since inception 18 months ago.
The report claims United believe that kind of work away from the game makes him the ideal person to represent them as a club ambassador.
And they want to hand him a role even if he decides to leave the club this summer, five-and-a-half years after he was bought from Chelsea for £37million.
SunSport revealed last week that talks have gone well between Mata and new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who believes he has a big part to play in his future plans.
The Spanish international has been a regular in the first team picture this season, making 29 appearances so far, and the club see him continuing that role next year.
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But there are issues to resolve over the fact Mata would prefer a two-year contract rather than the one-year deal currently on the table, which has an option for a further 12 months inserted.
And given he is in the final six months of his contract he is free to hold talks with other clubs interested in snapping him up.
Barcelona are among several clubs in Europe believed to have made contact, while Arsenal boss Unai Emery is keen on taking the Spaniard to the Emirates on his restricted budget for transfers.