Manchester United set to make record bid for Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata

Manchester United have been told to pay £40million for Juan Mata after the champions stepped up their interest in the Chelsea outcast.

Despite posturing from both clubs, Chelsea are willing to sell the Spanish playmaker if United match their valuation — and David Moyes is believed to be on the brink of making an offer.

The deal is complicated because Chelsea still have an interest in Wayne Rooney, but United will not sell the striker.

United manager Moyes wants to add Mata to his squad and the club have the cash to seal a deal for the Chelsea midfielder.

Moyes, who is preparing for the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland, needs fresh blood.

United lost for the seventh time in the league this season when Jose Mourinho’s team beat them 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

They believe a deal can be done for Mata, 25, and Chelsea will sell if United find £40m.