Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's says he is not surprised clubs are queuing up to sign Juan Mata amid interest from three top Serie A clubs.
The Spaniard is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer and is expected to leave Manchester United, with no sign of an extension on the table.
Mata, 32, has been a dependable member of Solskjaer's squad whenever called upon, but his chances of regular first-team action have become increasingly limited.
He will have no shortage of offers come the summer though, with Juventus, Roma and Inter Milan all being linked with his signature.
"I’m not surprised that teams are interested in him," said Solskjaer.
"One, he’s a very good footballer, two he’s a fantastic professional and human being.
"When the contracts are running towards the end there will be interest, I’m sure Juan has been able to speak to other clubs if he wants to.
"I keep in touch with him all the time anyway, we have a good dialogue."
Mata has only started eight of his 12 appearances in all competitions this season, three of which have been in domestic cup action.
The arrival of right-winger Amad, coupled with the emergence of Mason Greenwood last season and, more recently, Shola Shoretire, have reduced his role in the squad.
A move to Inter could certainly appeal, given the mini contingent of former United players in their ranks, while ex-Red Devils defender Chris Smalling is now at Roma.
Mata is likely to be one of several faces departing the club permanently this summer as United's evolution under Solskjaer continues.
Jesse Lingard is expected to be sold as he continues to impress on his loan spell at West Ham, while Sergio Romero is out of contract, as well as back-up stopper Lee Grant.
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United are also yet to reach an agreement with veteran striker Edinson Cavani, over taking up the option of extending his deal by a further year.
Asked last week what the plans were regarding the Uruguayan, Solskjaer said: "I can only say Edinson has done well.
"I’ve been impressed by him. He’s really gelled in the group and we’ll sit down with him and speak with him of course in the near future to see his plans and our plans.
"It’s a good discussion to (have). We always speak to the players and with his contract situation at the moment we’re very pleased with what he’s done."
