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EPL: Manchester United are considering a bid for Chelsea’s Juan Mata this month.

And given that Chelsea don’t see United as title rivals this season then the Blues may yet cash in on a player who is not highly regarded by Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho may even allow the deal - with a fee of at least £20 million - to happen despite the strained relations between the clubs.Chelsea may see it as a 'sprat to catch a mackerel' tactic in the sense it could pave the way for the Blues to land Wayne Rooney in the summer.An immediate Rooney-Mata swap deal could still happen but is unlikely. A Mata move to United this month though could be the catalyst for Rooney joining the Blues in summer.

Assuming Mourinho invites David Moyes into his office for an after-match glass of red wine as he did when Sir Alex Ferguson was boss. then it could even be a topic for conversation after the game at Stamford Bridge.