Leeds in Mata talks: Lampard once likened player to Silva

Leeds are reportedly in talks to sign Juan Mata on a free transfer this summer – a player that Frank Lampard once likened to David Silva having played alongside the Spanish veteran at Chelsea.

Mata, 34, is without a club after his £160,000-a-week (Spotrac) deal ended at Manchester United earlier this summer. It saw him leave Old Trafford after eight years, after joining the club in 2014, clocking up 285 appearances.

Now without a club, the Spain international is looking for a new home. Spanish reports claim that Leeds are in talks to sign Mata on a free transfer, with Victor Orta heading the negotiations as is the way at Elland Road.

It would be a surprise, not only because he played for Manchester United for eight years. But also because Mata is in his mid-thirties while the rest of the club’s summer signings are 25 or younger.

Speaking about Mata back in 2011, now-Everton manager was delighted with the signing of the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge. He even linked Mata to that of Manchester City icon Silva, adding a “lovely dimension”.

“He’s definitely added a lovely dimension to our team,” Lampard said – as per the Mirror. “We had a very good unit but it’s great to have someone with his sort of jinky creative ability that can offer something else.

“Juan’s a little bit like Silva at Man City. He’s got that similar quality and that is only going to improve us. He will get even better as well. He will be massive for us.”