There have been several rumours about a possible swap deal between Manchester United and Chelsea involved in two superstars Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata respectively. The future of both these players is under a lot of speculation despite the insistence from José Mourinho that Mata will not be sold. Speculation has not gone away because Mata has not been playing regularly for the Chelsea team since the return of Mourinho. He has largely preferred Brazilian midfielder Oscar, as the attacking midfielder to play just behind the striker.

Chelsea have been trying to get Wayne Rooney in this transfer window. Mourinho said during their pre-season tour that it was Rooney or nobody else because the club has already finished the transfer activity. Manchester United, though, have been steadfast in their insistence to not lose Rooney go to Chelsea, who they consider as their main rival. Chelsea already have had two offers rejected for the 27-year-old. Speculation has come about in recent days that Chelsea may consider swapping Mata with Rooney.

United are on the lookout for a new creative midfielder, and this solution will be amicable for both parties. Mourinho refused to remain coy on this situation and he did not comment on this issue.

“That’s the only official contact we had with Man United. Till Monday, we have nothing more to add to it. We make the bid and they say no again. What do we lose? One email. To me it is not a difficult decision because you want very much to keep Rooney or you don’t want to keep him? But that old-fashioned mentality of, ‘I don’t sell players to clubs in the same country’ – I think doesn’t help. You see in Italy it happens every season without any problems. Filippo Inzaghi played for Juventus, Milan,” said Mourinho.