Spus Transfers: 5 January Replacements For Erik Lamela
5. Juan Mata
Juan Mata is on the fringes at current club Chelsea, and has endured a truly torrid time of things since the return of Jose Mourinho. The self-styled 'Special One' prefers Oscar and Eden Hazard in his midfield, leaving Mata jettisoned on the bench having made just 13 league appearances this season, the majority as a substitute. As such, rumours have surfaced that the Spain star is looking for a move this month, and though Atletico Madrid are favourites to land his services, Spurs are reportedly interested. Mata was voted Chelsea Player of the Year for 201112 and 201213 but is clearly unwanted by the Blues, and though a move to London rivals Tottenham is unlikely, it's worth a punt. Mata scored 12 Premier League goals last season and 20 overall, and the attacking midfielder would be an ideal (though admittedly idealistic) replacement for Erik Lamela at White Hart Lane.
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.
