Chelsea winger Juan Mata could join Real Madrid this month should Los Blancos decide to cash in on Angel di Maria, according to reports.
Spain’s Sport newspaper and Le 10 Sport in France both claimed the unhappy Blues star may return home to La Liga as he looks to force his way into Spain’s World Cup squad. The former Valencia player has found himself frozen out at Stamford Bridge this season, and although Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United have an interest in Mata, boss Jose Mourinho does not want to sell him to a direct rival.
Meanwhile, the future of Angel di Maria has been up in the air for a while and he could leave the Santiago Bernabeu should the right offer come along. As far back as last summer he was linked with a move away from the Spanish capital, with former club Benfica said to be interested in resigning him.
Di Maria was believed to be keen on a switch following the arrival of Isco and Gareth Bale at Real Madrid, meaning his first team opportunities would be hard to come by. The 25-year-old has found himself in hot water this week for a gesture he made in the match against Celta Vigo, in which he was booed by some sections of the Madrid faithful.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted there will be no arrivals or departures this month, but with the World Cup on the horizon both di Maria and Mata may see the January window as a good time to make a move happen to secure their places in their respective squads for the tournament in Brazil.
