Manchester United plots Mata swoop

Manchester United are trying to prise Juan Mata from Chelsea for £37 million but it looks more likely that the Spain international will head to Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid on loan.

David Moyes is prepared to break the club's transfer record in an attempt to sign the player, who is willing to move so he can boost his World Cup hopes

Chelsea were on Monday night braced for a possible bid for Juan Mata from Manchester United.

A deal, which would break United’s transfer record, has been discussed with intermediaries. United would have to offer around £37 million for the 25-year-old Spain international in the hope of pushing a deal through.

United sources insisted on Monday night that no bid had been made but it is understood that the club do admire Mata and might consider a move.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has stated that he does not want Mata, who has been linked to a host of clubs throughout Europe, to leave this month but it is understood the midfielder does now want to go.

Mata has dropped down the pecking order at Chelsea with Mourinho having decided that Oscar, Eden Hazard and Willian will form his attacking trio behind a central striker.

Mourinho lied- De Bruyne

Former Chelsea player, Kelvin De Bruyne who joined Wolfsburg recently, has accused his former gaffer at the London Club, Jose Mourinho, of creating a false image of him after the Blues boss suggested the winger was not working hard in training.

De Bruyne claimed he was persuaded to remain with the Blues during the summer, despite interest from high-profile European clubs, but has since made a January move to Wolfsburg.
"In the summer he [Mourinho] convinced me to stay, although there was a nice bid from [Borussia] Dortmund on the table," De Bruyne told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.

"I also talked to Atletico Madrid. It was a good option, but I wasn't sure I would be playing there.
"I didn't leave Chelsea because I have to go to the World Cup - it could be over after three games - but just because I lost my joy."

Mourinho publicly criticised De Bruyne for his performances in the Capital One Cup victory over Swindon, and the Belgian also denied claims of a lack of effort in training.
"My pre-season was good, my first game too, but I still don't know why I lost my place after the game against Manchester United.

"I've also never asked Mourinho. He has never told me: 'Kevin, you don't train well.'
"It's a pity he told a press conference that I wasn't doing well on the training pitch. That's not me. I'm always a player who gives the full 100 per cent in training. Those remarks created a wrong image."