Leeds United bringing in Juan Mata during the summer transfer window would be a 'great signing' for the club, according to pundit Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Orta closing in
The 34-year-old has left Manchester United after spending eight years there and is now on the lookout for a new club this summer.
Leeds have emerged as strong contenders to acquire Mata, as Jesse Marsch eyes up more attacking reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season. Indeed, according to reports in Spain, via MOT Leeds News, Victor Orta is set to win the race for the experienced free agent's signature.
Mata has enjoyed a wonderful career, not only shining at club level but also winning the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain.
The Latest: McAvennie excited by signing
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, 62, claimed the Spaniard would be a superb addition to Leeds' squad, should the move go through:
"When you’ve got such a good talent like Mata, I think he’s better than what’s he doing. I think he got a raw deal at Man United. Do I think he’s got something to prove? Yeah, definitely. Would he be good at Leeds? I think he’d be a great signing at Leeds.
"He loves getting on the ball, he would be the man there who could control things. I think he’d be a great singing. I just think he’s better than what he’s been shown.
"Mata is one of the ones I thought was a Man United player. If I think he’s good enough for Man United he’s certainly good enough for Leeds at the moment.
"He wasn’t getting a game for Man United but I would put him in straight away. He’s better than Fred and McTominay. When he comes in I don’t think he does anything wrong and then he’s out again.
"I think Leeds supporters would love him at the club. They’ve been out of everything for so long that a player like Mata going to Leeds would be right up their street."
The Verdict: Still possesses class
While Mata's very best days are now behind him, he remains a top-quality footballer capable of adding a sprinkling of stardust to Leeds United's squad.
Much like someone like Joao Moutinho at Wolves, the veteran could bring that experience and class to the Whites' midfield, opening up defences and having runners around him. He has 50 goals and 64 assists to his name in the Premier League, which speaks volumes about his abilities.
It may be that Mata isn't viewed as a starter week in, week out by Jesse Marsch, given the fitness and work rate he expects from his players, but he could be a perfect squad addition, both on and off the pitch.