Manchester United have confirmed that Juan Mata has signed a new contract to commit his future to Old Trafford.
Standard Sport reported on Tuesday afternoon that United had reached a breakthrough in negotiations with Mata after months of uncertainty.
The 31-year-old would have been out of contract this summer, but has signed a new two-year deal with the option of a further year.
It was feared the former Chelsea player would follow Ander Herrera out of the club after his fellow Spaniard rejected a lucrative extension in favour of a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was eager to keep hold of Mata’s experience at a time when he plans to recruit a host of emerging, young players.
His dressing room influence is also highly valued by United’s coaching staff.
Mata had been linked with moves to Barcelona and Juventus, but it is unclear whether either of those European giants came up with firm offers.
Solskjaer plans to bring in as many as five new players this summer, but knows he needs experience following the departures of Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini and Herrera already.
Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku could also be on their way out, with both players seeking moves.
