No less than four clubs from across the continent are expressing a keen interest in the signature of a recent free agent departure from Manchester United, according to reports.

The player in question? Juan Mata.

Spanish veteran Mata, of course, called time on his long-term Old Trafford stint earlier this month.

On the back of an altogether hit and miss eight years on the red half of Manchester, it was decided that the 34-year-old’s terms would not be renewed, allowing him to seek out a new club without the stumbling block of a transfer fee.

Where, though, could Mata ultimately land next?

Reports over the last 24 hours have pointed towards an altogether surprising potential destination, in the form of Man United’s long-time rivals, Leeds United.

In fact, word stemming from the Spanish media on Wednesday went as far as to suggest that Whites director Victor Orta had made contact with the midfielder’s entourage, to gauge his interest in a move to Elland Road.

Leeds ‘are in talks with Juan Mata and he wants to move to Elland Road’ despite being a cult hero at their fierce rivals Manchester United https://t.co/ZsgC0HC7vw

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) July 13, 2022

If ensuing reports are anything to go by, though, then Leeds look unlikely to have it all their own way in the Mata sweepstakes.

This comes with 90min having pointed towards a further trio of clubs as keeping a close eye on the situation.

‘Real Betis, Marseille and a club based in Rome – either Roma or Lazio – have also expressed an interest in signing Mata,’ it is assured.

It now remains to be seen whether Mata favours a Premier League stay over a return to his home country with Betis, or potentially even a new experience in France or Italy.

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