Juan Mata has reportedly snubbed a lucrative offer from China in favour of remaining at Manchester United
According to a report in Daily Mirror, Juan Mata has rejected a big-money offer from an unspecified club in the Chinese Super League. The Spaniard is now set to receive a contract extension from Manchester United, who are ready to trigger their one-year option in his current deal.
Mata has been a consistent performer for Manchester United since joining the club from Chelsea in a surprise move in 2014. In the last three years, the player has established himself as a key figure at Old Trafford, even though he has not been an indispensable member of the first-team squad.
More impressively, Mata has continued to be an important member of the first-team setup following the arrival of Jose Mourinho last summer. Under the Portuguese manager, the Spaniard has amassed 51 appearances, although he would arguably like to improve his record of 11 goals and 6 assists.
According to reports Juan Mata has turned down a lucrative deal to join a Chinese Super League side, opting to stay at United. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XyWYhaBLpY
— Live Signings (@LiveSignings) October 12, 2017
However, with his current deal at Manchester United set to expire at the end of the season, there have been increasing concerns surrounding the future of Mata at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old, though, is believed to have received a lucrative offer from an unspecified club in the Chinese Super League.
The aforementioned club reportedly approached Mata’s representatives through intermediaries, sounding them out about a potential move to China. The offer would have given the Spain international the opportunity to earn a huge hike on his current £165,000-a-week wages.
However, Mata has snubbed the opportunity to make the mega-money move to the Chinese Super League to remain with Manchester United. Additionally, the Red Devils are set to trigger a one-year extension option on his current contract at Old Trafford.
Therefore, from initial fears that his spell at Manchester United was set to come to an end upon the arrival of Mourinho, to extending into a third year under the Portuguese boss, Mata has become an increasingly instrumental figure at Old Trafford.
It now remains to be seen if the report indeed turns out to be true, or if Manchester United hand Mata a new contract altogether. Nevertheless, his importance in Mourinho’s plans is undeniable, as evidenced by his nine starts so far this season.