1 Juan Mata in action for Chelsea against Liverpool

Chelsea have rebuffed an approach from Liverpool to take Juan Mata on loan, talkSPORT understands.

The playmaker’s future has been the subject of intense speculation since the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge.

The imminent arrival of Anzhi Makhachkala playmaker Willian for £30million has cast further doubt over the 25-year-old’s first-team prospects, and Mata was reported to be attracting interest from Tottenham.

However, talkSPORT can reveal there has been no inquiry from the north London side for the World Cup winner and the only Premier League club to make a move is Liverpool.

The Reds wanted to take the attacking midfielder on loan, but that was quickly rejected, with Chelsea insisting Mourinho sees the Spaniard as an integral part of his new-look squad.

Mata was an unused substitute in Monday night’s goalless draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, but the Blues have no intention of letting the former Valencia man go.