Spanish star is currently out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Juan Mata’s situation at Chelsea with the view to making a January bid.
The Daily Star claim Mata has become disillusioned with life under Jose Mourinho’s management after starting just one of the Blues’ opening three Premier League matches, despite being the club’s player of the season for two years in succession.
Mourinho has brought Andre Schurrle and Willian to Stamford Bridge this summer adding to the attacking talent of Eden Hazard, Oscar and the recently recalled Kevin De Bruyne, with speculation persisting that Mata does not fit into the Special One’s plans.
This has alerted Barcelona to his possible availability and the La Liga champions are thought to be lining up an offer that will test Chelsea’s resolve to hang on to the Spain international in the winter transfer window.
Top-flight rivals Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all want to offer the 25-year-old an escape route from west London, while Paris Saint Germain are interested in bringing Mata to France.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona have the funds to afford Mata, with manager Gerardo Martino keen to bolster his defensive options, but he could stretch the budget if he is given a clear signal that the former Valencia playmaker is for sale.
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