Villarreal Mata loan talks, but Man United could force Everton move instead

Juan Mata’s time at Manchester United was under question as soon as Jose Mourinho was linked with the manager job.

Mourinho had discarded Mata at Chelsea, when the Spaniard was a fan favourite and very important, so there follows an assumption he won’t see a future for the player at Manchester United.

Mata’s time at Manchester United hasn’t been a total failure, but he’s certainly not had the impact many had hoped for. Things may be different under a new manager and in a new system, but Spanish newspaper Sport say Mata has already been informed his time at the club is over.

Spanish newspaper Sport say Mata has been given freedom by Manchester United to talk with interested clubs. Valencia and Villarreal are two clubs said to be watching the situation, although the latter are more serious.

Valencia are already stretched financially and have just signed Nani, so for now they’re pretty much ruled out.

Sport say Mata has had several approaches, with initial talks taking place, and the Villarreal idea is a loan with a purchase option. Mata would have to take a drop in wages, but Sport believe he’d be willing to do so.

A return to Spain is said to be the preferred option, but Sport don’t think there’s much chance of a permanent transfer because clubs couldn’t stump up the transfer fee.

Therefore if Manchester United are insistent on a permanent move, Mata could be pushed towards Everton, who are once again said to be interested.

Sport say Manchester United could force him to go to Everton, but surely that’d be difficult in practice. If Mata turns up at Goodison Park it’ll be because he wants that move, he certainly has some say in any transfer.