Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is understood to have turned down a big-money move to the Chinese Super League in order to prolong his Premier League career. The Spain international has become a fan favourite with the Red Devils since his move from Stamford Bridge three years ago.
According to The Mirror, an unnamed Chinese Super League club had sounded out Mata’s representatives over a proposed switch to the Far East, but the Spaniard has knocked back their advances. Mata presently has a year left on his existing contract, but United are likely to exercise a 12-month extension to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2019.
There were initial doubts whether Mourinho and Mata would work together after the former sold the Spaniard during his time at Chelsea. However, the Portuguese tactician has utilised £140,000-a-week player on a regular basis since last season, with the 29-year-old featuring in all seven Premier League games this term.
As per The Mirror, Mata’s compatriot Ander Herrera is also in line for a year’s extension on his contract despite sparingly being used during the early part of the campaign. Herrera, who was voted United’s 2016/17 Player of the Year, is expected to partner Nemanja Matic in central midfield when they take on Liverpool on the road this weekend.
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