Leeds United sources have quickly dispelled reports of interest in ex-Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata, according to The Times’ Martyn Ziegler . Spanish outlet AS first revealed the ‘interest’ in the 34-year-old free agent on Wednesday morning after he departed Old Trafford come the end of his contract in June.
The report claimed that Whites’ sporting director Victor Orta had contacted Mata’s father - adding that although negotiations are slow, both parties are keen on a move. The Spaniard has spent the last 12 seasons in the Premier League - three with Chelsea and nine in Manchester - making 277 appearances, with 50 goals and 64 assists to his name.
Although an outstanding midfielder during his peak years - he won the Blues Player of The Season two years running between 2011 and 2013 - Mata’s influence has waned significantly in recent years and he has made less than 10 league appearances in each of the past two seasons.
