Manchester United Reportedly Want Chelsea's Willian to Replace Juan Mata

Manchester United are reportedly hoping to sign Chelsea's Willian this summer, with Juan Mata set to leave the club to make room for the winger.

Neil Custis for The Sun indicated United are "optimistic" of signing their target, who revealed he came close to joining the club last summer (h/t Metro). Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho seemingly remains interested in the hardworking player, who enjoyed a solid working relationship with the Portuguese during his time at Chelsea. Willian would reportedly cost United £30 million.

The Brazil international has enjoyed a resurgence in recent months, amassing five goals and an assist in his last eight appearances in all competitions for Chelsea. But the 29-year-old's form hasn't prevented Antonio Conte's side from enduring a difficult spell. They are eight points adrift of fourth place in the Premier League following Sunday's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which could mean joining second-place United is an interesting option for Willian.

And the strong bond between Mourinho and Willian makes a switch even more likely. "I worked with Mourinho, and I became his friend as well," he once told Gabriel Pazini for Goal. "He likes me a lot, and I like him a lot as a coach and as a person. He has put his trust in me and in my work, and I was very grateful to him."

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

However, he admitted in the same interview that Chelsea did not allow him to speak with United, which could prove to be a stumbling block again this summer.

Mata is reportedly set to leave the club as part of Mourinho's reshuffle, which is perhaps unsurprising given the pair's history. Mourinho sold Mata to United in 2014 for a then-club-record £37.1 million because the then-Chelsea boss did not favour the Spain international.

And the 29-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in the first XI over the past two seasons under Mourinho at Old Trafford. Mata started just 19 Premier League games in 2016-17, and although he has started 20 games this campaign, his return of three goals and four assists shows why he might not be suited to Mourinho's style of football.

With a little over a year remaining on his United contract (the club recently triggered a one-year extension option), Mata's future is far from certain. The potential arrival of Willian, who plays in the same position if not in the same style, could see Mourinho sell the Spaniard for the second time in four years.