Barcelona step up interest in Juan Mata

Barcelona are reportedly set to step up their interest in a potential transfer deal for Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.

The 33-year-old, who found himself surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, making only three appearances and none in the top flight so far this season.

He possesses a contract until the end of the season, thus the midfielder will be free to open talks with foreign clubs from January 1.

The Blaugrana tried to sign Mata before he extended his contract last summer, and the Daily Star reports that the Catalan giants are plotting another bid for the Spain international.

The Mancunian giants would be open to offloading Mata’s £130,000-a-week wages when the transfer window reopens in January, but are keen to recoup some fee rather than terminating his deal six months early.