Juan Mata finalising transfer to new club after leaving Manchester United

Turkish giants Galatasaray are in negotiations with ex-Manchester United midfielder and free agent Juan Mata.

The Spain international left Old Trafford in June upon the expiration of his contract after racking up 51 goals and 47 assists in 285 games. He lifted the club’s last trophy in 2017, playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 Europa League final win over Ajax.

Mata also lifted the FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield during his United stay. But at the age of 34, United decided against offering him a new deal in the summer as the club eyed a rebuild, and he left for free following his then-club-record £37m transfer from Chelsea in January 2014.

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"It has taken me some time to process the change that is happening in my life," the 2010 World Cup winner wrote in an emotional farewell message to United. “I would like to say I am the proudest man in the world having represented this unique club for the last eight-and-a-half seasons.

“I couldn't be more grateful with what my career has brought to me, so far, and I am as excited as that little kid about what the future might bring from now on.”

Mata has been linked with a number of clubs since his exit, including Premier League club Fulham. But he now looks close to joining Galatasaray, who finished 13th in the Super Lig last season after a woeful campaign.

A statement from the club said: “Official negotiations have started with the football player regarding the transfer of professional football player Juan Manuel Mata Garcia to our club.”

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