Juan Mata set to sign new Man Utd contract after breakthrough in talks
Manchester United have reached a breakthrough in negotiations with Juan Mata, which will see the playmaker commit his future to Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, has agreed an extension after months of uncertainty.
It is believed the new deal is longer than United’s initial offer of one year and means Mata will remain part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s revolution.
It was feared the former Chelsea player would follow Ander Herrera out of the club after his fellow Spaniard rejected a lucrative extension in favour of a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Solskjaer was eager to keep hold of Mata’s experience at a time when he plans to recruit a host of emerging, young players.
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His dressing-room influence is also highly valued by United’s coaching staff.
Mata had been linked with moves to Barcelona and Juventus, but it is unclear whether either of those European giants came up with firm offers.
Solskjaer plans to bring in as many as five new players this summer, but knows he needs experience following the departures of Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini and Herrera already.
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Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku could also be on their way out, with both players seeking moves.
United are expected to announce Mata’s new deal imminently.