Valencia attempted to sign Mata

Spanish newspaper AS understands that Valencia have made several attempts to sign Juan Manuel Mata from Chelsea.

Los Che registered their interest as soon as there was a possibility of the Spaniard leaving Stamford Bridge, and were hoping to sign their former player on a season-long loan.

However, Chelsea rejected their approach as they only wanted to negotiate an outright transfer, which saw Mata remain at Stamford Bridge.

Despite being voted club Player of the Year two times in a row, the Spaniard found himself on the fringes since Jose Mourinho returned to the club.

The 25-year-old made just one appearance this season, which was enough to suggest that he could be leaving the club in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea ultimately opted to keep hold of their prized asset in spite of signing Willian from Anzhi, and it remains to be seen if Mata will be able to play himself back into Jose Mourinho’s plans.