Man Utd Transfer News: Juan Mata Deal Delayed

Juan Mata's £37 million move to Manchester United has been DELAYED until Chelsea complete the signing of Mohamed Salah from FC Basel, according to the BBC. Mata was expected to undergo a medical ahead of his move to United yesterday, and it was thought it would finally take place today, however there has been a further delay. Chelsea have agreed an £11 million deal with Basel for Salah, but he still needs to pass a medical of his own and agree personal terms, which may not happen for another two days. United will not allow Mata's medical to go ahead until after these procedures have been completed, meaning the Spain star may not complete his move to Old Trafford until SUNDAY. Blues boss Jose Mourinho has however confirmed the transfer will definitely go ahead. He said of Mata in a news conference this afternoon:
"Things are going in a good direction. We have allowed Juan to travel and have the medical. The player deserves respect and to play and because the offer is right, we allowed him to negotiate."
Mourinho hopes to make Salah his third signing of the January transfer window after completing moves for former player Nemanja Matic as well as Bertrand Traore. "We know he wants to come. He told me personally but now it is terms and medical he has to pass," said the Blues boss of Salah. And until he does, United will have to put on ice the unveiling of their club-record buy.
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Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.