Reports in Spain suggest Juan Mata could be leaving Manchester United for the year

Conan Doherty

Football’s best-loved son could be seen a lot less around the Premier League next season.

Juan Mata’s position at Manchester United has been under increasing speculation ever since Jose Mourinho arrived at Old Trafford and there’s been no end to his transfer speculation.

Last month, the 28-year-old was off to Barcelona. Apparently.

mata-barcelona1

This month, he’s on his way to Everton. Apparently.

Well, according to Ronald Koeman anyway.

Obtained Koeman autographs this afternoon-obliging as ever. Any new signings, Mata or Witzel? "Yes it is possible!" pic.twitter.com/RvCBwYXQvt

— Sportsignings (@Sportsignings) July 8, 2016

Now, there’s a new destination for the Spaniard but it might not be permanent – not just yet.

The attacking midfielder is being linked with Villarreal.

According to Spanish newspaper, Sport, the club who will contest in the Champions League qualifying rounds want to bring Mata in on loan with an option to purchase him later.

Villarreal boss Marcelino García Toral championed a 4-4-2 last season so there are question marks over where the little genius would play. However, there are bigger question marks over whether Jose Mourinho has gotten over his problems with the player he deemed surplus to requirements three seasons ago. The arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan hasn’t exactly eased fears of Mata’s departure.

But Manchester United fans at least are hoping that their new Portuguese boss keeps the faith with one of the game’s genuine good guys.

https://twitter.com/Kuda_Washe/status/752080703161065472

Please Jose(special one)don't sell juan mata ,keep him the fans needs him he will deliver under you,we are very sure of That..GGMU @ManUtd

— Don kizito (@Donkizito6) July 7, 2016