Juan Mata offered massive fee to leave Manchester United

Juan Mata has been offered a ‘lucrative’ offer to leave Manchester United from an undisclosed Saudi Arabian club.

The Spaniard has made 257 appearances for Man Utd, scoring 50 goals and providing 45 assists.

Mata, 32, made the £37million switch from Chelsea back in 2014 and has played a key role in United’s domestic and European success since then.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to hand Mata an appearance in the Premier League this season, with multiple players trying to stake their claim on a starting spot.

Man Utd have the likes of new boy Donny van de Beek, Paul Pogba, Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Nemanja Matic all fighting for places.

Mata appears to be down the pecking order with Solskjaer leaning towards a more youthful model at United.

Despite barely featuring for the Red Devils, boss Solskjaer acknowledges the benefits of having an experienced player like Mata at the club.

Solskjaer said: “His composure and experience (is vital) for a young team, I think he created more or less every moment in this game that was of the highest quality in an attacking sense.

“He is a very valuable member of the squad and a top professional. It is never easy to tell him when he’s not playing.

“He has had a fantastic career, he has won whatever there is to win more or less.

“He is an example for everyone to look at, how you conduct yourself and how you perform when you get the chance.”

With Mata’s current United contract due to expire next summer and the player oN massive wages, an early exit cannot be ruled out.

Transfer expert Ian McGarry has stated on The Transfer Window Podcast (via Express Sport) that although Man Utd are yet to open official negotiations, an offer has been made.

McGarry said on the podcast: “We will start at Old Trafford with a shock move for fan favourite Juan Mata, who has been offered a very, very lucrative deal to move from Manchester to Saudi Arabia.

“It’s our understanding that the offer that Mata has is worth around $15million net per year to go and play in the Saudi Arabian league.

“It’s not at this moment in time that Manchester United have entered negotiations, we can’t disclose the name of the club at this moment in time.

“But we are certain that the offer is there, his father, who is his agent, is confident that Manchester United would release Mata on freedom of contract after he had his contract extended by the optional year in his current deal over the summer.

“Mata himself is yet to commit, however, at those kind of numbers you would have to think he would be tempted.

“It certainly is the case that Saudi Arabia is desperate to promote itself as a footballing nation as we know, as well as being a place where players can earn an extremely high amount of money and it would be tax free.”

Manchester United legend blasts Chelsea starlet

Roy Keane has hit out at Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu for his reaction to a challenge during Wales vs Ireland.

The 20-year-old who is on loan at Sheffield United collided with Irish goalkeeper Darren Randolph and went down holding his head – seemingly trying to win a penalty – but ex-Republic of Ireland captain Keane was not having any of it.

He said: “Just disgraceful, really.

“This Ampadu, like, what’s the game coming to?

“He should be ashamed of himself, grabbing his head. I’d be embarrassed if I was him. Ridiculous.”

Olivier Giroud plays down rivalry with Real Madrid star

Olivier Giroud has reportedly played down his alleged rivalry with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.

In a bid to quell the rumours, he suggested that his France career may have been better if he had frequently played with Benzema.

In an interview with TF1 he said: “I’ve always been blamed a little for the absence of Karim in the France team.

“There’s a supposed rivalry, which has been put together from nothing by some people.

“My career with Les Bleus might have been better by being played in conjunction with Karim Benzema, but we’ll never know.”

Photo Credit: Twitter/FrenchTeam

Jorginho closes in on new contract

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is edging closer to signing a new contract, according to reports.

The Blues central midfielder was heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer, with Arsenal and Juventus reportedly interested.

However, despite a late push from the Gunners, the Italian international was not interested in a move across London.

Now, according to Area Napoli, Chelsea are ready to offer Jorginho a new and improved deal to stay with the club to reward his loyalty.

The 28-year-old’s current deal has three years left to run.