Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata could return to his native Spain on a free transfer in the summer, with Atletico Madrid rumoured to be weighing up a move.
The 30-year-old's deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season and Mata is expected to move on as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to overhaul the Red Devils' squad.
Spanish newspaper Sport report that Mata may return to La Liga, the competition in which he first made a name for himself with Valencia.
And it is believed that Atletico are currently leading the line of clubs looking to secure the World Cup winner's signature as Diego Simeone bids to bolster his options.
Mata and United have been in talks over extending the Spanish international's deal, but it is understood the midfielder is disappointed with the perceived preferential treatment colleagues Ashley Young and Phil Jones received in their own negotiations.
Champions League heavyweights Barcelona were also rumoured to be interested in signing Mata, but it now seems Atletico have jumped ahead of their La Liga rivals to the front of the queue.
If Mata does depart in the summer, it will bring an end to a five-and-a-half year spell at Old Trafford.
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The midfielder was signed by David Moyes for what was then a club record fee of £37.1m in January 2014, penning an initial deal through to the summer of 2018.
During his time with the Red Devils, the European Championship winner helped his club side claim four trophies, including the Europa League in 2017.
However, the 30-year-old has this term struggled to have as much of an influence on games as he has done in previous campaigns.
And with his contract due to expire in the summer, it seems unlikely that the Red Devils will offer Mata a new deal to keep him at Old Trafford.
