Barcelona to make move for Juan Mata on free transfer?

Barcelona have been linked with a free transfer move for Manchester United attacking midfielder Juan Mata, according to a report from the Daily Mail this morning. The former Chelsea player, whose contract will expire this summer, has informed his agent that he would like to leave Old Trafford amidst plenty of interest from at home and aborad for his services.

Mata, who has recently forced his way back in to Man Utd's first team under new coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has long been linked with a return to his home country of Spain. Barcelona, it appears, are particularly interested in securing a free transfer move for the midfielder.

Mata appeared in yesterday's 2-1 win over Watford in the Premier League and has played an important role in United's recent resurgence, playing alongside Paul Pogba at the heart of the Red Devils' midfield.

It is understood that Barca are ready to pay Mata up to 250,000 euros per week on a 2-year contract should he decide to return to La Liga, and the Catalan club are confident that a deal can be agreed in the next few weeks.