China Set to Raid Man Utd in Summer – Mata, Fellaini and Rooney May Leave Old Trafford

The Chinese government has been working hard and is already making serious efforts to improve the country’s sports profile.

It all started when Chinese president Xi Jinping, who is huge football fan, got fed up of the country’s failure to develop as a footballing nation and encouraged Chinese Super League clubs to spend more money in an attempt to transform football in China.

During the winter transfer window, Chinese Super League clubs have spent £194.2 million in total, a record that no League across the world has hit during winter – English January transfer window closed after clubs spent £175 million, which is still more than the total money spent by Serie A, Ligue 1, Bundesliga and La Liga (£135.2 million).

Many football fans, managers, and players have indeed remained stunned with how Chinese Super League is throwing serious money around the soccer transfer market, with many clubs already feeling shaken that they could lose their key players to China.

Speaking of clubs that look threatened with the big money Chinese Super League, Manchester United cannot go unmentioned as three of its top players have featured as top targets in a number of Chinese clubs.

Wayne Rooney

Former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, who is now in charge at Shanghair SIPG, has recently hinted that Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney should consider making his next move to Chinese Super League.

“Sooner or later, we are going to see names like Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney in this league –players on this level,” Eriksson said.

Rooney has indeed attracted interested from China and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the England captain move to Asia before he retires.

With players like Jackson Martinez, Ramires, Gervinho, and Alex Teixeira having moved to China on deals worth millions of pounds, Rooney seems to join the list soon enough.

And according to reports in China, the Swede are already willing to offer the former Everton man a staggering £500,000 per week.

Juan Mata

According to recent reports, three Chinese Super League clubs have already shown interest in signing midfielder Juan Mata, amid rumors that talks between the Red Devils and Atletico Madrid have failed to materialize.

It is believed that the three Chinese Super League clubs have already contacted the Spanish playmaker agents over a potential deal.

United and the Atletico have failed to come into terms after the Spanish giants failed to part with the £30 million asking price. Besides, it is believed that the Spanish club struggled to come up with Mata’s asking price of £170,000-per-week wages.

As talks between the pair stall, three Chinese clubs have contacted United and are ready to offer £30 million release fee to lure the playmaker to Asia on staggering package.

Marouane Fellaini

According to reports, Fellaini has emerged as a top target for a Chinese Super League club and his representative has already been contacted by Super League agents.

It is believed that Fellaini is considering his future at Old Trafford after United are reportedly reluctant to offer him another deal. The Belgian has reportedly given up hope of being offered a contract extension before the start of Euro 2016.
Meanwhile, United executive vice-charming Ed Woodward has moved to confirmed that he is not fazed with the possibility of losing top players to Chinese Super League.

“I do think there will be more activity coming in the summer, but it is very difficult to predict what kind of impact that will have,” Woodward said.

“If nothing else, it’s another useful market if we are looking to sell players.”