Mata nears United switch

Juan Mata is expected to agree his move from
Chelsea to Manchester United on Thursday.
The Spain international did not train with Chelsea
on Wednesday but is understood to have told
team-mates that his departure from the club was
imminent.
A £40m offer for Mata is thought to have been
made through a third party on Wednesday,
although it is understood Chelsea have yet to
formally accept a bid from United.
Press reports that Mata is en route to United's
Carrington training ground are unconfirmed but a
deal between the two clubs is expected to be
agreed later on Thursday with Mata set to
become the Premier League champions' record
signing.
All parties are keen for the transfer to go through,
according to Sky Sports' Spanish football expert
Guilleme Balague, and there has been speculation
that a medical will take place before the
weekend.
Chelsea are understood to be happy to sell as
manager Jose Mourinho has a wealth of attacking
options in his squad and currently prefers other
players to the Spaniard.
The Blues would also make a significant profit on
the man they signed for £23.5m from Valencia in
2011.
For Mata, the transfer would give him an
opportunity for much more playing time with the
World Cup in Brazil looming this summer.
Balague says all parties want the transfer to go
ahead.
Balague revealed on Revista de La Liga: "The idea
is that Mata, who Chelsea are happy to let go,
goes to Old Trafford in this transfer window.
"I am under the impression that a deal will be
reached because it benefits everybody.
"United need quality, Mata needs to get out of
the situation he is in and it would reinforce
United for their meetings with (Chelsea's title
rivals) Manchester City and Arsenal, which is
clever from Jose Mourinho."