Mata pens new Valencia deal

Spain winger Juan Mata has agreed to a new deal with Valencia, contracting him to the La Liga club until 2014.

Mata, 22, joined Valencia in 2007 after failing to make the grade during four years with Real Madrid.

Following the departure of David Villa and David Silva from the Estadio Mestalla in the close season, Mata has become an increasingly important part of the Valencia first team.

An attacking midfielder, he made his national team debut in 2009 and has already won 10 caps for Spain, scoring three goals.

“The president told the board the news of a successful conclusion to negotiations with Juan Manuel Mata, who has extended his contract with the club through to June 30th, 2014,” the club said in a statement.

“The deal will be made official on January 24th with a presentation in Denia.”

Valencia, fourth in La Liga, are at home to Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.