It's no secret by now that David Moyes is not thrilled with the production he's received from his midfield units at Manchester United. The former Everton boss has endured his fair share of player injuries this season while first-year mid Marouane Fellaini has struggled to adapt to his new home at Old Trafford, leaving Moyes and Man U higher-ups searching for upgrades during the current January transfer window. Current Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus has been linked with a possible move to England in recent time but Moyes and company appear to have their sights set on acquiring a player closer to home.
According to The Telegraph, Manchester United officials are preparing a £37m bid for Chelsea's Juan Mata. If Man U follows through with the reported contract, the club would set a new record for a completed transfer deal. Currently sitting seventh in the competitive Barclays Premier League, United has its sights set on finishing in the top four, just a season removed from claiming another English title. Mata has seen a drop in pitch time with the first-team under head coach Jose Mourinho and although Mourinho has stated in the past that his 25-year-old midfielder is not for sale, United remain highly interested and are very open to tabling a substantial offer. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on the other hand is not sure that the Spanish international would fit with the Red Devils.
“That's a lot of money, but they need a signing,” said Neville, who last played professionally in 2011 as a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United club. “Does he fit with what I would call the typical philosophy of Manchester United? I would say no. The first question, I think, is where are you going to play him? Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are up top if they are fit so where are you going to play him? Are you going to play him off the left or off the right? They would have to change to accommodate Juan Mata in the way they normally play.
“They normally play with wide players,” he continued. “Sometimes they tuck in, but generally they have wide players. He's obviously a fantastic football player, there's no doubt about that, but one thing it does do, I suppose, is that David Moyes, Manchester United and Ed Woodward need to sign a big player.”
In 19 total appearances this year for the Blues and the Spanish International soccer team, Mata has notched 3 goals and 2 assists but his age and overall skill level make him a hot target at Old Trafford and given the club's willingness to spend big money, expect talks at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford to continue in the coming days.
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