MANCHESTER UNITED have offered Juan Mata a new contract in an attempt to stop him quitting the club for Spain.
Mata’s existing deal runs out at the end of this month and he is able to walk away to sign for someone else on a free transfer.
But United have confirmed they have made an offer to the 31-year-old midfielder in the hope he can play a major role in the new era under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United boss Solskjaer has made the decision to release 15 players after their deals expired, including Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia.
Once promising young striker James Wilson is also on the list of those departing as Solskjaer begins to clear the decks and build his own squad.
So the decision to keep Mata means the Norwegian sees the playmaker as someone who can play a crucial part of his development plans next season.
Though not always a starter, the former Chelsea star is still one of the most naturally gifted footballers at the club.
He is also regarded as a model professional, and has the kind of character Solskjaer is looking for in his dressing room having found some players hard to deal with.
But there is no guarantee the Spanish international will take up the offer, with plenty of interest back in Spain for his services.
Barcelona have been courting him for a while, in the knowledge they would be getting a gifted player without a transfer fee.
His wage demands would not break the bank either, which is why the Spanish champions are entertaining giving him a two-year deal.
Now Mata faces having to decide whether to remain in Manchester, where he has been happy and settled well, or return to his home country.
