Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has welcomed talk of interest from Barcelona.
The Daily Star says he has made only three appearances this season - and none in the league. That situation is set to continue under new United boss Ralf Rangnick.
Barcelona are so strapped for cash amid La Liga financial fair play rules that they are unable to cough up any fee for the ex-Valencia and Chelsea star.
Which makes a swoop in the January window out of the question unless United agree to cancel the remainder of Mata's £130,000-a-week deal so he is available for nothing.
More likely is that the Catalans will wait until June when the former Spanish international would be out of contract and a free transfer.
If successful it will be third time lucky for crisis-torn Barcelona, who also attempted to buy Mata back in January 2014 when he left Chelsea for United in a £37.1million switch.
Need a VPN? Or seeking to switch? Then support Tribal Football by clicking here to sign up with our official partners NordVPN. Not only will you receive the best VPN experience, but also great discounts by signing up via Tribal Football. Thanks for your support!