The Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping their favourite Spaniard can extend his contract before the season is out.

With United exercising the additional one year option in Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera contracts, our regular are hoping that they do similar with Juan Mata’s. However, many reports are breaking that the Spaniard could leave on a free this summer as from 1st January he’s available to speak to other clubs.

Having had a recent run in the first team lately, the midfield maestro is a firm fan favourite. Although many of the local Mancs thought the writing was on the wall when his former boss Mourinho came to United 18 months ago, having sold him at Chelsea to United, he’s been hugely popular.

If Mata does leave, our regulars have been talking about a few names that Ed Woodward needs to bring in to replace the midfielder.

With that in mind, our landlord takes a look at a couple of superstars that should be making their way to Old Trafford…

Aleix Vidal

Surely unhappy at the limited first-team chances he’s been getting this season at Barcelona, Vidal has also dropped down the pecking order in the right back position.

With his versatility of being able to play right-back, right-wing or midfield, this could be an attractive proposition for Mourinho. Furthermore, Vidal could be picked up for a decent fee, due to Barcelona looking to recoup some of the money they have just paid out to Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho.

Although Antonio Valencia is the number one right back at United, a quality back up is something that Mourinho would surely be looking at bringing in.

Nicolo Barella

The centre midfielder has grown his reputation in Italy this season with Cagliari, with many teams tracking the 20-year-old’s progress and the Serie A side have been quick to extend his contract to 2022.

However, the Cagliari board are reportedly willing to listen to offers of £44m and above for the highly rated youngster. Our regulars in the bar think that Barella would be a good, young addition to the United squad and at £44m, in today’s market, could prove a bargain.