According to Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague, Manchester United and Chelsea have started talks over the transfer of Juan Mata and all parties, including Mata, want the deal to happen in January.

It seems that there is some movement into the negotiations since yesterday, and Sky sources reported that talks between the two rivals are “progressing well”.

Balague, who is well-know and a reliable football journalist, revealed on Revista de La Liga “Manchester United and Chelsea are negotiating the future of Juan Mata – and the idea is that Mata, who Chelsea are happy to let go, goes to Old Trafford in this transfer window.

“Chelsea are asking for £32m or Wayne Rooney as part of the deal.

“Mancheser United have said no to the money and no to Rooney – but I am under the impression a deal will be reached because it benefits everybody.

“Manchester United need quality, Mata needs to get out of the situation he is in, and it would reinforce United for their meeting with (Chelsea’s title rivals) Manchester City and Arsenal, which is clever from Jose Mourinho.”

Mata arrived at Stamford Bridge for £23.5m from Valencia in 2011 and was the Blues Player of the Year for the past two consecutive seasons, but has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho.

The Spain international played in 13 Premier League games this season, but only in three of them over the full 90 minutes.

Is Juan Mata the right fit for United and can Chelsea afford to let such a quality player leave? Have your say in the comment section below.