Barcelona eye Juan Mata with Manchester United star's future in doubt following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager

  • Jose Mourinho was confirmed as Manchester United manager last week
  • The Portuguese boss allowed Juan Mata to leave Chelsea for Old Trafford
  • Mata's future is in doubt and he has been linked with summer move away
  • Barcelona, who have come close to signing him in the past, are interested

Barcelona are considering a sensational summer swoop for Manchester United's Spanish playmaker Juan Mata.

Mata's future is in doubt at Old Trafford following the managerial appointment of Jose Mourinho - who allowed the midfielder to leave Chelsea for United in 2014. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have stepped up their interest in the 28-year-old former Valencia star in their quest for European glory next season.

Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona are eyeing up the 28-year-old back in May

Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona are eyeing Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata 

Mata scored United's important equalising goal in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at Wembley 

Mata scored United's important equalising goal in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at Wembley 

MATA'S PREMIER LEAGUE STATS

Appearances - 38


Goals - 6

Assists - 5

Chances created - 53

Pass accuracy - 89 per cent 

The Spanish daily report that Mata - who was left out of Spain's squad for Euro 2016 - is preparing for life away from Manchester and has recently visited the city. 

Barcelona are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks despite boasting the impressive trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. 

The Spanish giants completed the domestic double this season but were disappointed to exit the Champions League in the quarter-finals. 

Mata has previously been close to making the move to the Nou Camp and with doubts over his future under Mourinho at United, Barca hope the Spaniard will make the move. 

Last week, Sportsmail revealed that Mata's advisers are set to seek assurances from Mourinho to make sure he still has a role to play at United – just as they did two years ago at Chelsea. 

The 28-year-old scored in their FA Cup final win this month and this will not be the first time that Mata's camp have asked Mourinho about his plans for their client. 

Mata is a popular figure among both United's players and fans but has been linked with a summer move away

Mata is a popular figure among both United's players and fans but has been linked with a summer move away

Mata's future is in doubt  following the managerial appointment of Jose Mourinho - who let him leave Chelsea

Mata's future is in doubt following the managerial appointment of Jose Mourinho - who let him leave Chelsea

Mata's advisers asked Chelsea in January 2014 whether Mourinho was planning to sell the player and Mata was understood to have been told he had a future at Stamford Bridge. 

Three weeks later, however, his advisers flew in from Spain and he was sold to United for £37.1million.

It came across as harsh at the time, with Mata training away from Chelsea's first team at Cobham in the days leading up to the transfer.

Mata wants to stay at Old Trafford after winning the FA Cup but the arrival of Mourinho throws his future into doubt.  

Mata, pictured in the FA Cup triumph, was left out of Spain's squad for this summer's European Championship

Mata, pictured in the FA Cup triumph, was left out of Spain's squad for this summer's European Championship