Chelsea Transfer News: Mourinho Comments on Juan Mata Pave Way for Wayne Rooney

As Chelsea prepare another bid for Wayne Rooney, manager Jose Mourinho has rejected talk about Juan Mata not fitting into the Blues' long-term plans, according to Kevin Palmer of ESPN FC.

Mourinho said, via Palmer's report:

"

Juan is the only player we have to do that on the right, but I also think he is very comfortable playing a No.10 role - so between these two positions he has a lot to give to the team.

"

I hate to say it, but the cliche is that you ignore everything before the word "but."

Mourinho's comments are interesting in the wake of reports that Chelsea are going after Rooney. Perhaps Mourinho is looking at Mata at No. 10 and Rooney on the right.

That would actually not be too far-fetched. Rooney made three Premier League appearances for Manchester United as an attacking midfielder on the right side last season, according to WhoScored.com. The result? Rooney posted three assists. Not bad production.

Rooney posted 10 assists in 27 matches with United last season (22 starts). So, the 27-year-old registered 30 percent of his assists last season as the attacking midfielder on the right side...in three appearances. Not too shabby.

In my opinion, United shouldn't let Rooney go, but if the coals get too hot, Chelsea should pounce. I really like the potential dynamic of Rooney and Mourinho working together. The respect is there, and the spot is there.

Mourinho appears to be doing the right things right now. He's opening the door for Rooney to join him at Chelsea. Whether this happens, we can't be sure, but the bridge is free for Rooney to cross.

There appears to be so many problems at Old Trafford, from Rooney's request for a transfer last season to new manager David Moyes' comments this offseason, that it's almost inviting Rooney to join the Blues. 

It's worth a try for a club seeking its first EPL title since the 2009-10 campaign.