Tottenham lines up bid for Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata

Tottenham are lining up a sensational approach for Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata.

The north London club will pocket £86milllion from the imminent transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid and have earmarked Mata as a replacement for the Wales international.

Despite enjoying two fruitful seasons with the Stamford Bridge club, Mata faces playing a bit-part role this season following the £30m arrival of Willian.

The Brazilian had already completed a medical at White Hart Lane but opted to join their London rivals, leaving relations between the clubs strained.

But that hasn't stopped Spurs considering a bid, although Chelsea have denied that an approach has been received.

Mata played 65 minutes of Chelsea's victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge last week having been an unused substitute against Hull on the opening day of the season.

He was also linked with a move to Manchester United as part of a deal to take Wayne Rooney the other way but these reports were denied by his club. He was brought to Chelsea by Andre Villas-Boas, who is now manager at Tottenham.

And manager Jose Mourinho has reiterated that Mata won’t be sold during the transfer window despite the signing of Willian which sees the Blues well stocked in midfield.