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Sam Allen

Leeds United linked with surprise summer move for ex-Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata

Leeds United have opened discussions with the camp of Juan Mata to secure a deal to keep the Spanish free agent in the Premier League after his Manchester United release this summer, according to reports in Spain.

According to Spanish news outlet AS , Leeds' sporting director Victor Orta has been in contact with Mata's father over a potential move to Elland Road for the 34-year-old midfielder. Negotiations are said to be slow at this moment in time; both parties are interested in making the deal happen.

Mata has made 277 Premier League appearances in his career, scoring 50 goals and assisting a further 64. Turkish sides Galatasaray and Besiktas are also said to be interested in the Spaniard, but Leeds are the only team to come forward with an initial offer.

READ MORE: Leeds United pursuing 'several targets' as their search for a striker continues

The 34-year-old was earning over £5m a year on his last contract with the Red Devils, which equates to around £96,000 a week. That is a significant amount to pay for a player of Mata’s age but he could be a useful rotation option for Jesse Marsch and an experienced head to help develop the young players in Leeds’ squad of which there are many.

The Whites have had a busy window of incomings and outcomings, with Marsch signing a host of impressive players from Brenden Aaronson to Luis Sinisterra while losing Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City. They are also on the verge of selling Raphinha to Barcelona with Mata a potential squad option to go towards replacing the Brazilian in the attacking midfield area should Marsch stick with the 4-2-3-1.

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