Barcelona are reportedly preparing a move for Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata, despite the fact that the Catalan club are currently operating under a transfer ban.
Having been found guilty of breaching FIFA's rules on the signing of players under the age of 18, Barca are not permitted to bolster their playing squad until January 2016.
However, it has been suggested that the Spanish outfit can still conclude deals during that time, but they will not be able to register new players until the suspension has expired.
As a result, a move for 26-year-old Mata is in the offing, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The report adds that Barca have been encouraged by suggestions that Mata is not a part of Louis van Gaal's plans for the future at Old Trafford.
If United were to sell, it is thought that they would look to recoup the majority of the £37.1m that they paid Chelsea for the Spain international's services in January 2014.
Liam Apicella
