Man Utd release EIGHT players including Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira but confirm Juan Mata in talks over new deal

MANCHESTER UNITED have announced that EIGHT players have been released this summer - including Sergio Romero.

Yet the Red Devils confirmed talks have taken place with Juan Mata and Lee Grant over potentially extending their stays at Old Trafford.

First-team goalkeepers Joel Pereira and Romero have both left the club with the latter linked with former United boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.

Six members of the academy - Jacob Carney, Mark Helm, Iestyn Hughes, Arnau Puigmal, Max Taylor and Aliou Traore - have also departed.

But veteran midfielder Mata is one of three United players the club remain in discussions over a new contract with.

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The 33-year-old Spaniard arrived at Old Trafford from Chelsea in a £37.1million deal back in January 2014.

The World Cup winner’s contract comes to an end this month with talks between Mata and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having taken place.

However, a lack of regular football this term may have persuaded the ex-Valencia and Blues playmaker to walk away and find a new challenge, with his old club one of those keen to sign him.

As well as Mata, United are also in discussions with senior goalkeeper Grant, 38, and young stopper Paul Woolston.

And the Premier League giants have already moved to replace Romero by handing Tom Heaton a two-year deal.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper left Aston Villa on a free transfer last Friday.

United have offered three-cap England stopper Heaton a two-year deal plus the option of an extra 12 months.

He came through the ranks at United and was part of the squad between 2002 to 2010 but failed to make a first-team appearance.