Barcelona eye free transfer for Man Utd star Juan Mata but hope Red Devils will allow Spaniard to leave six months early
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BARCELONA want to sign Manchester United star Juan Mata in January, according to reports.
The Spaniard signed a new one-year deal last summer but has played just three times this season.
And Barcelona, who wanted to sign Mata in the summer, are eyeing a free transfer deal for the 33-year-old.
The Catalan giants are struggling financially so would be unable to afford Mata's wages and a transfer fee, report the .
As a result, they would require United to cancel the Spaniard's contract in January.
Mata is reportedly on £130,00 a week and if United refuse to terminate his deal Barcelona will instead wait until next summer - when his contract expires - to sign him.
Barcelona have been long-term admirers of Mata and even tried to sign the midfielder in 2014 before he moved to United.
And they could land him by offloading some high-earners of their own.
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Frenkie de Jong has been heavily linked with an exit and Barca will reportedly sell him if they receive a big offer.
Other big stars Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Sergino Dest could also leave, with Barcelona keen to make additions.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also being targeted on a free transfer, with his contract expiring in 2022.
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