Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly keen on Manchester United’s Juan Mata.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is keen on a reunion with Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata this summer, according to a report.
The Sun claims that if Benitez stays on as Newcastle manager for next season then he wants to join the race for Mata’s signature along with Spanish giants Barcelona.
It is said that 31-year-old Mata, who has scored 50 goals in his Premier League career [transfermarkt], could leave Old Trafford on a free this summer with his contract due to expire at the end of next month.
During the recently concluded Premier League campaign, Benitez ensured the Magpies safety in a comfortable fashion as they ended the season in 13th place and with 12 wins to their name.
For many years now, the Toon Army faithful have been asking for the club to show ambition in the transfer market as they aim to do more than just survive in England’s top-flight.
Under Mike Ashley’s ownership, the Magpies have suffered two relegations, but since Benitez guided them back to the promised land in his first season, he has seemingly steadied the ship at St James’ Park.
The Sun report further details that Benitez will have to persuade the club’s chiefs to change their policy in signing older players as he has asked them to be ‘more open-minded’.
The report further states that Mata is earning £140k-a-week at Old Trafford and this early test on the board will indicate whether Benitez gets his own way or not as he ponders signing a new contract.
Given the impact Benitez has had on the North East outfit, many Newcastle fans will want the former Valencia man to stay because if he does then it’ll increase their chances of having a positive 2019/2020 season.
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