English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United is reportedly attempting to save money in their rumored deal for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba by including out-of-place veteran winger Juan Mata in the offer plus cash.
Caught Offside reported that the Red Devils "have offered Jose Mourinho-disliked Juan Mata to Juventus in their attempts to re-sign Paul Pogba" after transfer rival Real Madrid allegedly gave up on their pursuit of the 23-year-old France international.
Pogba, whose French national team finished their Euro 2016 campaign with a disappointing 0-1 loss to Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal side in the final, started his senior career with Man United in 2011 and also came from the club's youth academy before he decided to leave England for Juventus in the summer of 2012.
The abrupt decision reportedly put a bad taste in the mouth of former United mentor Alex Ferguson, but current head coach Jose Mourinho is said to be keen on acquiring the 6-foot-3 two-way player to strengthen the spine of his dream lineup in Manchester.
Pogba is rated at £100 million by the five-straight Serie A defending champions, a new world transfer record if pushed through, and Los Blancos president Florentino Perez reportedly backed off of their pursuit because of "the astronomical figures involved", as per Daily Mail Online.
Mourinho and Man United are sticking around, though, with a tweaked offer to boot.
The 28-year-old Mata, who was Mourinho's former ward at Chelsea, was sold by the Special One to United in January 2014 because he did not possess the "physicality" Mourinho wanted in his midfield.
Chelsea captured the 2014-2015 Premier League title after Mata was released which justified the Portuguese manager's decision to sell him.
It is projected that Mourinho will try to hawk him again at the first opportunity now that he is the Red Devils head coach and rumors are out that Mata will be included in the deal for Pogba to try and save cash for the club.
Pogba had scored eight goals in 35 Italian top flight appearances last term mainly playing as both an offensive and defensive midfielder, which effectively showcased his versatility and stamina on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Mata had played poorly for sacked manager Louis van Gaal last season, scoring only six goals in 38 Premier League games playing at the attacking midfielder position. The Spanish goalscorer will hope to revive his career with Juventus if the deal pushes through.