Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Juan Mata.
Newcastle United are still battling to keep Rafael Benitez at St James’ Park, but they’re still being linked with transfer targets.
Benitez’s contract expires next month, meaning he could walk away in a matter of weeks, and Newcastle are fighting to keep him at the club.
Benitez will have transfer targets in mind in case a deal is agreed, and The Sun claim that Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata is one of them.
Mata, 31, is out of contract at United this summer, and Benitez allegedly wants a reunion with his former Chelsea star, though he’ll have to battle Barcelona for the Spaniard.
A move for Mata would be particularly interesting, as The Chronicle recently noted that his father – Juan Manuel Mata Rodriguez – is his agent, and he also represents Salomon Rondon.
Rondon is Benitez’s other top target having impressed on loan this season, but Benitez hoping to convince the club to sign experienced players in order to land Rondon and potentially Mata.
Benitez’s existing relationship with Mata and Rondon should help, but given that he’s already worked with the agent involved in both deals, it just enhances the hopes of securing a double deal this summer.
Much will depend on Benitez staying, but if he does, Mata’s father may find himself as one of the first people called as Benitez eyes two major deals.
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