Manchester United: Juan Mata 'wanted by Real Sociedad with Barcelona also keen'

  /  autty

Juan Mata could be heading for the Manchester United exit door in January, with Real Sociedad reportedly hopeful of securing a deal for the playmaker.

Mata has just six months remaining on his Old Trafford contract - with it unlikely that he'll be offered new terms for an extension.

And the Sun claim that Real Sociedad are keen to end Mata's stay at United early by persuading the Red Devils to release him as a free agent next month.

Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil believes Mata’s big-time experience can help them achieve a top-four finish this season. The Spanish outfit currently sit sixth in LaLiga - just one point off fourth-paced Rayo Vallecano.

However, any move would see the playmaker take a big pay cut from his reported £100,000-per-week takings.

La Real are not the only Spanish side in for the 33-year-old with Barcelona also reportedly monitoring Mata's situation.

The cash-strapped Catalans though would be relying on Mata becoming a free agent in January - especially as they have somehow splashed £55million to sign Manchester City forward Ferran Torres.

Mata, who joined United in January 2014, has only made three appeareances for the club so far this season - with none in the Premier League.

Related: Manchester United Barcelona Real Sociedad Mata
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