Barcelona eyeing Bosman move for Spanish midfielder

Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly keen on pursuing a Bosman move for midfielder Juan Mata, whose contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the season.

The Spain international has been with the Red Devils for more than five years and during this period, he has racked 44 goals in 219 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Despite this, he has now been a regular starter over the past few campaigns and The Sun reports that his time with the Mancunian giants could be coming to a conclusion.

As per the publication, Mata’s father and representative has tried to negotiate a two-year deal with the Red Devils but the club are adamant that the Spaniard won’t be offered more than a year’s extension.

In this state, the Blaugrana are said to have made the attempt to pursue him on a multi-year contract in the summer, given they consider the same as a win-win situation for both them and the player.

Mata is likely to be used in a rotational policy at the La Liga holders but The Sun reports that they would be prepared to sanction his departure within a year with a profit, should he remain discontent with the role offered.

Opinion:

Mata has largely been a squad player in the past few seasons and this has not changed under the guidance of new head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has offered him with just five starts.

As such, it makes sense for the Spaniard to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere but a move to the Camp Nou may not necessarily reward him with the regular playing time he may be looking after.

Still, the option of a multi-year deal with a club of the Blaugrana’s calibre could be hard to refuse for the midfielder, who has fond memories of playing with Valencia during his formative years in the Spanish top-flight.

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