Man Utd playmaker linked with Juventus, Inter in contract race

Man Utd playmaker Juan Mata is the subject of interest from Juventus and Inter Milan, according to reports.

The Spaniard has only featured seven times in the Premier League this season.

That’s led to rumours of an Old Trafford exit with his contract set to expire in June.


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According to The Sun, Mata is being pursued by three Italian sides aiming to sign him on a free transfer.

That includes Serie A giants Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma. The trio are currently involved in an exciting title race and could sign Mata to give them the edge ready for next season.

The clubs are hoping to pounce on Mata’s uncertain future with Man Utd.

He has fallen out of favour under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this term.

His situation is worsened by the form of Red Devils talisman Bruno Fernandes, who has bagged 15 league goals already.

That’s kept Mata on the bench for a majority of the last few months. He’s played a full 90 minutes just once in the Premier League since October.

Man Utd do have the option to extend his current deal until 2022. The player earns a reported £160,000 a week in Manchester.

The Red Devils could opt to keep him beyond the summer if they think Solskjaer will need his experience next season.

But if that’s not the case, then either Juve or Inter could pounce and sign the attacking midfielder on a free.

Solskjaer suggested in January that Mata could leave his squad in the coming months.

He said: “The decision is very difficult every time with Juan. He’s got the quality. If he plays, he’s scored goals, he’s contributed this season.

“It’s difficult to leave him out but unfortunately that’s where it is at the moment. No decision has been made (on his contract) yet.”

Mata was originally signed during David Moyes’ tenure at Old Trafford.

He’s gone on to make 267 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 50 goals.

He was an important part of the Man Utd team which won the FA Cup in 2015/16 and the Europa League the following year.

The post Man Utd playmaker linked with Juventus, Inter in contract race appeared first on Football365.com.

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