Report: Mata linked to Everton as Mourinho connection threatens spot

Former Chelsea attacking midfielder Juan Mata thought he had seen the last of Jose Mourinho when he departed Stamford Bridge in 2014, finding comfort in the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford with Manchester United.

But with Mourinho taking over at the helm of the Red Devils, Mata finds himself once again facing the chopping block and has been linked with a surprise summer move to Everton, reports Sam Wallace of The Telegraph.

The Toffees have reportedly made a £20-million offer for the Spaniard, and with the ink still fresh on Henrikh Mkhitaryan's contract, Mata would likely find more playing time at Goodison Park next season, despite being a regular under Louis van Gaal in the 2015-16 campaign.

Everton is now trying to convince Mata to join Ronald Koeman's project, but Wallace reports that there is competition for his signature.