Manchester United winger Juan Mata. (Photo : Getty Images)
Manchester United winger Juan Mata is reportedly being targeted by three Chinese Super League clubs this summer as the Red Devils are firm on sticking with its £30 million asking price for the Spanish footballer.
The Mirror recently indicated that Mata "is the latest big-name who has been asked to join China's football revolution" and it was said that at least three teams from China's domestic top flight are interested in signing the 27-year-old in the summer.
The report also said, citing Sunday People Sport, that "Juan was happy to return to Spain but now the Chinese have shown their hands, the money is very difficult to turn down."
Atletico Madrid reportedly submitted a bid for the attacking midfielder during last month's winter transfer window, but the deal fell through because the La Liga club turned down the £30 million transfer fee and Mata's £170,000-a-week compensation requirement, via Metro.
It is currently speculated that three Chinese squads are able to afford Mata and United's demands and so it is just a matter of time before a deal will be completed.
Mata still has two years left in his four-year contract with the Old Trafford residents, but it is known that he will not get an extension from the English Premier League side, thus the reason for the team selling him.
If any of the China deals push through, it would allegedly "ensure a healthy pay-rise for the Spain international".
The Ocón de Villafranca, Spain native was signed by the Red Devils in January 2014 from fellow EPL club Chelsea FC for a then club record transfer fee of £37.1 million. In three seasons with United, he was able to appear in 85 games and score 22 goals in all competitions during the said time period.
Mata also played three seasons with the Blues, from 2011-2012 to 2013-2014, appearing in 135 matches and netting 33 goals in all competitions during that time.
He began his senior career with Real Madrid's B team in Spain's Segunda División in 2006 before he was transferred to another La Liga squad, Valencia CF, in March of 2007. He spent four seasons with the Mestalla Stadium residents, playing in 174 contests in all competitions and scoring 46 times.
