barkley The Football Transfer Tavern is waiting in anticipation today to see Juan Mata unveiled in a Manchester United shirt after the midfielder decided to leave Stamford Bridge and the two clubs agreed a massive £37 million fee.

Chelsea supporters in the bar are still looking shell-shocked by the departure of the man who twice won the Player of the Year award at the club.

Discussion has turned to who Jose Mourinho is targeting to replace the Spanish international and fortunately before the debate becomes too heated, Matt Law from The Telegraph has arrived with a possible answer.

He suggests that letting Mata depart is part of long-term master plan to bring Everton’s Ross Barkley to Stamford Bridge. The England international, who is currently sidelined with a broken toe, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Goodison Park and that has brought about a host of suitors for his services.

The Blues are now planning to make a big money move for the 21-year-old in the summer which they believe will become easier now United have secured Mata.

His impending departure with free up funds to land Barkey, while the young Toffees midfielder will help the club fill their homegrown quota for the future.

It is understood that United boss David Moyes is now unlikely to go back in for his former player, leaving the path clear for Chelsea to capture their prime summer target.