Barcelona sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta is reviving his interest in Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.AS says Zubi sees Mata as a potential long-term successor for Xavi and with Cesc Fabregas pushing to leave, the United midfielder is viewed as an ideal replacement.
Mata only moved to United in January from Chelsea for £37 million and Barca would be prepared to go to £40 million to bring the player back to Spain.
Zubi has long been chasing Mata, having first considered him in 2010 when in charge of Athletic Bilbao before the midfielder left Valencia for Chelsea.
A move for the Spain international has the support of the Barca board, where directors are convinced he would be an ideal fit for their system.
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