Juan Mata: Old Trafford move close

The Spain international did not train with Chelsea on Wednesday but is understood to have told team-mates that his departure from the club was imminent.

A £40m offer for Mata is thought to have been made through a third party on Wednesday, although it is understood Chelsea have yet to formally accept a bid from United.

Press reports that Mata is en route to United's Carrington training ground are unconfirmed but a deal between the two clubs is expected to be agreed later on Thursday with Mata set to become the Premier League champions' record signing.

All parties are keen for the transfer to go through, according to Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guilleme Balague, and there has been speculation that a medical will take place before the weekend.

Chelsea are understood to be happy to sell as manager Jose Mourinho has a wealth of attacking options in his squad and currently prefers other players to the Spaniard.

The Blues would also make a significant profit on the man they signed for £23.5m from Valencia in 2011.

For Mata, the transfer would give him an opportunity for much more playing time with the World Cup in Brazil looming this summer.

Balague says all parties want the transfer to go ahead.

Balague revealed on Revista de La Liga: "The idea is that Mata, who Chelsea are happy to let go, goes to Old Trafford in this transfer window.

"I am under the impression that a deal will be reached because it benefits everybody.

"United need quality, Mata needs to get out of the situation he is in and it would reinforce United for their meetings with (Chelsea's title rivals) Manchester City and Arsenal, which is clever from Jose Mourinho."