Chelsea have accepted Manchester United’s offer of £37m for midfielder Juan Mata, the Telegraph understands.
The Spain international, who been used sparingly since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, is now free to discuss terms with the Premier League champions, who lost their League Cup semi-final with Sunderland on penalties at Old Trafford yesterday evening.
Should the deal go through, the 25 year old will become the most expensive player in Manchester United’s history, while the fee would also be the highest the Blues have ever received for a player, far eclipsing the £24m that Real Madrid paid for Arjen Robben in 2007.
Mata was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year in both of his full seasons with the club after scoring thirty-three goals and making fifty-eight assists in one hundred and thirty-five games in all competitions, while in terms of honours, he helped the club to success in the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League.
His last appearance for the club came in the 3-0 win over Southampton on New Year’s Day, where he was substituted in the 53rd minute.
He didn’t hide his frustration as he left the pitch, and had to be calmed down by his teammates after he kicked a plastic chair in the technical area.