United ‘bid’ is £40m and Mata could play against Cardiff – report
Manchester United have offered £40m for Juan Mata, according to The Guardian.
United want to sign the Chelsea playmaker, who has struggled to secure a first-team place under Blues boss Jose Mourinho this season.
And it is claimed the champions have made a club-record bid, albeit unofficially and through a third party, in an attempt to get their man.
It is also suggested that the transfer is likely to be completed over the next few days and that Mata could make his debut against Cardiff City next week.
The BBC believe United’s offer to be £35m, while the Star suggest the fee could be close to £45m
The Times have reported that Mata, 25, has made it clear he wants to leave Stamford Bridge.
Related West London Sport story: United make approach for Blues star Mata
See also: I expected to lose Mata to Barcelona or Real Madrid, not Man Utd
Meanwhile, Fulham want Jeffrey Schlupp as well as his Leicester City team-mate Liam Moore, according to Sky.
The Whites recently had a bid for defender Moore rejected and are expected to table an improved offer.
And it is claimed they are also looking to tie up a deal for the versatile Schlupp, 21, who had a spell on loan at Brentford in 2011.
Talksport reports that Watford face missing out on Fulham midfielder Derek Boateng.
The Ghana international was recently tipped to move to Vicarage Road on loan but is now said to be a target for French top-flight side Evian.
The Watford Observer reports that Watford are looking to sign Samba Diakite despite QPR boss Harry Redknapp insisting the midfielder will not be leaving Loftus Road.
Related West London Sport story: Diakite ‘back in the picture’ at Rangers
Sampdoria have turned down the chance to sign Julio Cesar, according to Italian media reports.
Goalkeeper Cesar has been available on a free transfer since the end of last season and Rangers are also willing to help cover his wages if a deal can be agreed to take him to another club.
But Sampdoria are reportedly still not interested after being offered the 34-year-old former Inter Milan man.
Cesar has also been linked with Cagliari and was yesterday quoted as saying he would welcome a move to the Sardinian club but had not received an offer.
“Cagliari? It’s good living in Sardinia, as it’s always sunny,” he apparently said.
“I would like it, but in all honesty no offer has arrived yet. I still don’t know what I’ll do in the second half of the season.”
For more transfer speculation, see this morning’s Paper Talk.
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