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What’s the story?
Earlier today, Real Madrid and Manchester United were lined with a swap deal for David De Gea and Raphael Varane. The rumour mill has now cooked up a new story.
As per reports in the Daily Express, Los Blancos are planning a January swoop for Juan Mata. The former Chelsea star was left out of the United squad in their 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge and is not set to return to the starting XI anytime soon.
In case you didn’t know...
Mata is a Real Madrid youth product but has never played for the senior side. He was signed from Real Oviedo in 2003 and was sent to the academy.
The Spaniard played 39 games for the Castilla side before moving to Valencia and then heading to Chelsea. The midfielder won the Player of the year award in his first two seasons at the club but was sold to Manchester United when Jose Mourinho arrived.
The heart of the matter
Zidane feels that the squad needs a fresh face to add more competition. The Spaniard's contract expires at the end of the season and the Frenchman believes he can get him for a cut price.
Juan Mata was tipped to leave Old Trafford at the start of last season but was an influential figure if their Europa League campaign. However, this season, Mourinho has opted to play Henrikh Mkhitaryan ahead of him.
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Author’s Take
Juan Mata to Real Madrid looks unlikely at the moment. The player will not opt to move as he'll not get a chance to play. The ideal thing for Mata to do would be to head back to Valencia or join some Bundesliga side – a league he's not played in.
As for Manchester United, letting go of Mata wouldn't be a big loss but the Spaniard would never forgive Jose Mourinho. From being the best midfielder in the Premier League to a bit-part player, the former Chelsea manager is responsible for it!
