Juan Mata to Atletico Madrid: Chinese clubs move for Manchester United midfielder

The Spaniard joined United two years ago from Chelsea for £37m

Samuel Stevens
Tuesday 16 February 2016 09:24 GMT
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Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata (Getty Images)

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Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Atletico Madrid about a deal to offload Juan Mata while three Chinese Super League clubs remain interested.

The Spaniard joined United two years ago from Chelsea for £37m but has struggled in Louis van Gaal’s possession-based system, leading to rumours about his willingness to leave.

According to the Sunday People, Diego Simeone, the Atletico manager, has registered an interest in securing Mata’s services but is struggling to persuade the La Liga club to part with the £30m asking price.

As talks between the pair stall, it is reported that up to three clubs from China have contacted United to discuss the possibility of luring Mata to Asia.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan full-back Yuto Nagatomo has revealed how he turned down a move to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

“I like everything about Inter, I want to stay here and renew my contract,” the 29-year-old told Inter's in-house TV channel. “I turned down an offer from Manchester United, as my desire is to stay here. I have an excellent rapport with Roberto Mancini.

“I'm having a great time, though I had the most fun with Wesley Sneijder, Marco Materazzi, Javier Zanetti and Antonio Cassano.

“Marco taught me Italian, including a few swearwords! Now I do some yoga exercises with Samir Handanovic before a game.

“It was very difficult when I first arrived at Cesena, because I didn't understand any Italian at all. I didn't have an interpreter either. Then I went to Italian school and everything got better.”

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