Man Utd plan Bonucci and Varane swoop if Mata leaves

Manchester United manager José Mourinho could sell Juan Mata, as he attempts to raise funds to make a sensational swoop for either Leonardo Bonucci or Raphael Varane, according to reports.

The Sun is reporting that Mourinho is considering offloading Mata as he sets his sights on further defensive reinforcements.

Mata’s future has been the subject of much speculations since Mourinho took charge at Old Trafford because the Portuguese coach sold the Spanish playmaker when they worked together at Chelsea in January of 2014.

Mata joined United in a then club record £37 million deal. The diminutive attacking midfielder is somewhat of a fan favourite at Old Trafford and many supporters would be reluctant to see him leave.

But with addition of Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund this summer, Mata’s place in the starting eleven is far from assures, especially as Mourinho seems to favour playing club captain Wayne Rooney in the number 10 position of late.

The Sun claims that the money raised by Mata’s sale would be ploughed into a move for a top class experienced centre-back to partner either Chris Smalling or new signing Eric Bailly. And Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane are the two names mentions.

Bonucci is considered to be arguable the best central defender in the world at present, with Manchester City and Chelsea also interested in the 29-year-old.

Mourinho worked with Varane during his time in charge at the Bernabéu and is a known admirer of the 23-year-old Frenchman.