Everton have set their sights on the Spaniard and are leading a host of clubs interested in enticing the play maker away from Old Trafford this summer.
Everton have recently seen a change behind the scenes as billionaire businessman Farhad Moshiri became the majority shareholder earlier this year after buying 49.9 percent of the club’s shares. Everton have also recently confirmed former Southampton manager Ronald Koeman as their new head coach on a £6 million a year deal.
As reported by the Mirror earlier this month, Everton’s new investor wants to tempt world class players with offers of six-figure weekly salaries after tax. Now the Merseyside club have emerged as front-runners in the pursuit of Spanish midfielder Juan Mata, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Juan Mata’s future has been up in the air ever since the appointment of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. The Portugese tactician had earlier sanctioned the sale of the Spaniard at Chelsea and a similar situation could arise this time around as well.
Even if United do decide to sell him, they would prefer to sell at a fee around or higher than the £37 million they paid to sign the player from Chelsea in January 2014.
However, Mata’s interest in joining the club would depend upon whether the Toffees are able to convince Mata, of the ambitions of their new project under Ronald Koeman and new investor Farhad Moshiri.
Mata, now 28, has had an influential season for United scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions – including a crucial strike in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. There’s no denying that the Spaniard is more likely to leave than stay at United, unless Jose Mourinho has a change of heart this time around.
The fans of the royal blue and white outfit will be delighted with the signing though and hoping that Mata makes the move to Goodison Park. There has also been interest from West Ham, Fenerbahce and a host of other clubs; but if Farhad Moshiri has his way, the little magician could just be weaving his magic at Merseyside this coming season.
