Atletico Madrid want De Bruyne AND Mata in January.
High-flying La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid are eying a sensational double swoop for Chelsea duo Juan Mata and Kevin de Bruyne in January, according to The Daily Star.
Reports in Spain on Wednesday claim Atleti have already agreed to sign out-of-favour Belgian De Bruyne in January as a replacement for £17m-rated playmaker Koke, who is expected to depart.
But the Star says Blues teammate Mata could join him at the Vicente Calderon.
Both players have struggled to cement a first team place under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, with the likes of Willian, Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle preferred by the Portuguese.
De Bruyne joined Chelsea from Genk in summer 2012 and impressed last season on loan at Werder Bremen.
But after starting the Premier League matches against Hull City and Manchester United in August this term, the 22-year-old fell out of favour and last featured in the Premier League in a five minute cameo against Fulham in September.
Indeed, the attacking midfielder has started more games for Belgium than the Blues this season and is desperate for a move in order to keep his place in a talented national side ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Mata, 25, meanwhile, is keen to guarantee his place in the Spain squad for the World Cup and may also consider a move back to Spain.
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