Jose Mourinho could sell Juan Mata to pursue Mesut Ozil

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could reportedly part ways with Juan Mata to pursue the services of Arsenal star Mesut Ozil next summer.

Mata has been ever present in United's Premier League campaign this term, but according to Manchester Evening News reporter James Robson, the Spaniard could be sacrificed to sign up the German in nine months' time.

“I can’t believe Mourinho actually ever got on with him at Real Madrid, but he was highly thought of,” he said. "He’s also been very good, but as seasons have gone by, it’s become a thing he’s gone missing.

“For the majority of his time, he’s been one of the few genuinely world-class players around the Premier League. If he’s free that changes everything. Maybe you could sell Juan Mata."

Ozil has yet to negotiate a fresh contract at the Emirates beyond 2018, and it looks likely that he will leave on a free unless the Gunners offload him during the winter transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is keen on avoiding a sale to a direct league rival, and this could potentially bring the likes of Inter Milan and Fenerbahce into play in the New Year, although they will have to match the player's valuation.

Should this not be the case, the north London giants are at risk of losing another leading performer to Manchester United, having previously cashed in on Robin van Persie back in the summer of 2012.