Atletico Madrid to sign Juan Mata on a free transfer?

Atletico Madrid are reportedly leading the race to sign Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.

Mata has made over 200 appearances for United since a 2014 move from Chelsea, but the Spaniard's contract will expire this summer and it is thought that he will seek pastures new.

Barcelona have been strongly linked with the 30-year-old, but according to Sport, Atletico are the frontrunners for the playmaker.

Earlier this month, Mata's father - who is also his agent - hinted that the former Real Madrid youngster could return to La Liga for the 2019-2020 campaign.

Mata has plenty of experience in Spain's top flight, having turned out on 129 occasions in La Liga for Valencia between 2007 and 2011 ahead of a switch to Chelsea.