Juan Mata’s Manchester United career could be over virtually before it has begun with new manager Louis Van Gaal prepared to allow the midfielder to join Barcelona.
The Dutchman is keen to sign Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who he knows well from his spell as manager of Bayern Munich, and that is set to leave 26-year-old Mata out in the cold.
Despite the Spaniard having produced some good performances for United in the second half of last season, Van Gaal is prepared to listen for offers for Mata as he attempts to shape a side in his own image.
The Dutchman has turned his attentions on Schweinsteiger, who scored in Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final victory over United, after his team-mate Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos insisted they would be staying at the Allianz Arena. Mata only arrived at Old Trafford in January in a £38million deal from Chelsea, the biggest deal during previous manager David Moyes’ ill-fated reign.
New Barcelona coach Luis Enrique needs midfield reinforcements as he looks to rebuild a club that last week lost out on the La Liga title to Atletico Madrid.
Club legend Xavi, now 34, is apparently on the way out of the Nou Camp while Cesc Fabregas is being linked with a return to Arsenal.
Mata could help to fill that hole as Enrique looks to revive fortunes after a rare season in which the Catalan giants were left empty-handed in terms of major trophies.
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta tried to entice Mata three years ago, but the player chose instead to join Chelsea from Valencia.
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