Manchester United are reportedly prepared to trigger the one-year extension option in Juan Mata's contract.
The former Chelsea man has been battling a muscular problem for the past few weeks, but he only made the starting lineup on four occasions in the 2020-21 Premier League season before entering the treatment room.
With United supposedly seeking to trim their wage bill and raise funds for summer transfer business, Mata has been tipped to leave when his deal runs out in under three months' time, alongside several other fringe players at the club.
However, the Red Devils do have the option to keep Mata on the books for another year, and the Daily Star claims that he is happy in Manchester and willing to remain at Old Trafford for a little while longer.
The Spanish playmaker would be able to walk away for free if he runs down his existing United deal, but the report claims that the club could expect to receive a figure of £5m if his extension is triggered and a summer transfer does come to fruition.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also said to respect Mata as a key influence in the dressing room, and the 32-year-old has scored 50 goals and set up 47 more in 267 appearances for United since 2014.
Ben Knapton
