Newcastle plot shock move for Manchester United creator

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez wants to reunite with Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata this summer, claims The Sun.

Mata’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season and he has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona.

It remains to be seen whether Mata will prolong his stay at Old Trafford but his former Chelsea manager, Benitez, wants him at Newcastle.

Much of that depends on whether Benitez will still be at the club next season, as the Spaniard is in talks with Newcastle about his own future.

Benitez would also have to convince Newcastle’s chief decision makers to allocate money to afford Mata’s wage demands.

Mata is currently on £140,000-a-week at United and would likely have to accept a wage cut to join Newcastle.

The 31-year-old has spent the last five-and-a-half years at United but has divided opinion among supporters.

Mata could be one of three Spanish players leaving United this summer, with Ander Herrera and David De Gea also on the verge of quitting the Red Devils.

Since joining United, Mata has played a direct hand in more goals in all competitions than any other player at the club (75).