Manchester United have reportedly made a £35m bid for Chelsea winger Juan Mata.
It was reported on Wednesday morning that the Premier League champions were keen to bring the Spanish international to Old Trafford by the end of the month.
Mata, who has struggled for first-team appearances this season, is understood to have missed training on Wednesday afternoon.
United have now tested Chelsea's resolve by lodging an initial offer for the playmaker, according to BBC Sport.
Mata arrived at Stamford Bridge from Valencia in 2011 for £23.5m.