Rumour: Inter Milan join race for Chelsea outcast Juan Mata

Juan Mata

Reports suggest Italian giants Inter Milan have joined the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata this January transfer window.

The little magician was in stellar form last season as he scored 12 goals and assisted 12, which saw him voted the player of the year at Stamford Bridge for the second time.  However, the Spaniard has been warming the benches this season, with only 12 appearances in the Premier League so far. Jose Mourinho has been vocal in his opinion that the midfielder does not fit into his plans.

The world class midfielder has attracted a lot of attention from big European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, and will hope to lure the 25-year old as he looks to play more first team football to keep his World Cup hopes alive.

However, Inter Milan might have to pay a sizeable fee for the diminutive creative player who was brought to England for around £25 million from Valencia three years back. Chelsea on the other hand, will be reluctant to sell their star in January as they vie for top honours this campaign.