Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Spanish club eye shock move for Manchester United star
ESPANYOL could finance a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata if their billionaire owner gives the green light, according to reports in Spain.
Espanyol reportedly want to sign Juan Mata
Express Sport understands Mata, 28, is free to leave Old Trafford this summer.
United manager Jose Mourinho wants to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Spaniard Mata could be sacrificed to make room for the France international.
And reports have emerged suggesting La Liga side Espanyol are keen on signing the former Chelsea star.
Chen - a self-made billionaire from his businesses in the toy and entertainment industries - is reportedly ready to splash out to make Mata Espanyol's star signing.
But Spanish newspaper Sport say the 28-year-old's £110,000-a-week wages may prove a stumbling block.
Chen bought a 54 per cent stake in Espanyol last November and wants to pump a further £37.5million (€45m) into the club's transfer kitty.
Chen is the 180th richest man in China, according to Forbes, and is worth $1.2bn (£1bn).
Chen wants the club to compete regularly in the Champions League and is ready to pump money into Flores' squad to haul them up the Spanish top flight next season.
Mata, it is claimed, would prefer a move back to Spain after five years in the Premier League.