Juan Mata to Barcelona: Spaniard linked with Camp Nou switch - reports

The 27-year-old has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford under beleaguered manager Louis van Gaal

Juan Mata (GETTY IMAGES)

Barcelona have discussed the possibility of signing Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata in the summer with intermediaries sounding the Spaniard out, according to reports.

The 27-year-old has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford under beleaguered manager Louis van Gaal but is understood nonetheless to be happy with life in Manchester.

Mata joined the Red Devils for £37m in January 2014 under ex-boss David Moyes and, according to the Daily Mail, could be set for a return to Spain after the Catalan giants proceeded to make enquiries about his availability. Luis Enrique, the La Liga club’s manager, originates from Asturias, the same northern region as Mata, and believes this common heritage gives him an opportunity to lure him back to his homeland.

United have failed win to silverware since signing the Spain international while Barca have lifted the La Liga title, Copa del Rey and Champions League in the time since his switch from Stamford Bridge.

Several flair players on United’s books are thought to have grown frustrated with Van Gaal’s conservative tactics this season, which have led to a 10 point void forming between them and the Premier League summit.

Mata scored in the comfortable FA Cup fourth round victory at Championship side Derby County but had previously featured from the substitutes’ bench in the last three League matches.