• Premier League

Napoli and Benitez monitoring Mata

ESPN staff
January 3, 2014
Mourinho doesn't want to lose Mata

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez is tracking unsettled Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.

Mata cut a frustrated figure as he was substituted by Jose Mourinho early in the second half of the Blues' 3-0 win over Southampton on Wednesday.

Replaced by Oscar - who heavily influenced Chelsea's victory at St Mary's - Mata was visibly frustrated as he took to the bench.

Shortly after the match, Mourinho insisted the "door is open" for Mata to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly readying a £30 million bid.

Mata was named Chelsea's Player of The Year last season while playing under Benitez, who took temporary charge following Roberto Di Matteo's departure from the club.

However the newspaper reported Napoli were only making an enquiry as to the Spain winger's availability, with Chelsea remaining grounded over his future at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Chelsea confirmed they had recalled young players Gael Kakuta and Sam Hutchinson from their loan spells at Eredivisie club Vitesse.

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close