Juan Mata Reportedly Still Waiting on New Manchester United Contract

Juan Mata is reportedly still waiting to sign a new Manchester United contract, but he has revealed he is in talks with the club over his future.

According to Chris Wheeler in the Daily Mail, the Spaniard can potentially start negotiating with foreign clubs from January because his current United deal expires next summer.

He said after Wednesday's defeat of Juventus, though, that talks have begun, per Onda Cero's El Transistor (h/t Metro): "I am very happy in England, my contract is up in the summer, and I’m in talks with Manchester United in order to see what happens."

Mata, 30, has proved how valuable a player he is for United in recent weeks.

He kickstarted their comeback from 2-0 down against Newcastle United early in October and then did the same with a superb free-kick as Jose Mourinho's side won 2-1 at Juventus in the UEFA Champions League after trailing 1-0.

The former Valencia and Chelsea man boasts a wealth of experience, and his cool head makes him a major asset for United.

Despite the fact he is in his 30s, his recent performances have shown he still has much to offer, and it would be foolish of United to let him go.

If the Manchester outfit allow his contract to run down until the turn of the year, it is likely a number of non-English clubs will be interested in talking to him come January.

However, per Wheeler, Mata's preference would be to remain in the Premier League if he is to depart Old Trafford, and he has been linked with reuniting with former Valencia boss Unai Emery, who is in charge at Arsenal.