Recent transfer rumors have emerged that English Premier League giants Manchester United FC is willing to sell Spanish midfielder Juan Mata to reigning La Liga champions FC Barcelona this summer, but only if he would improve his form during the remainder of the season.

The 27-year-old winger was acquired by the Red Devils in January 2014 and have so far suited up for three seasons with the English top flight club. He had appeared in 79 games in all competitions for United and had scored 21 times.

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This season, Mata has already played in 20 domestic matches, contributing four goals in the process.

Daily Mail Online reported that "initial contact has been made between the Catalan club and Mata's representatives in recent months" and Barça has given consideration in buying the Ocón de Villafranca, Spain native from United at the end of the season.

One meeting reportedly took place in Spain and the negotiations "have not progressed beyond that point", according to reports.

However, it should be noted that Mata has frequently expressed his current happiness playing at the Old Trafford with Dutch manager Louis van Gaal and is said to be keen on making the most of his stint with the Red Devils even though his seasons with the club had been its "most turbulent" in recent memory.

Mata's contract with United is set to end in June 2018 and so he would have to decide whether to sign an extension this summer or to find another club to play for when his deal expires.

Barça manager Luis Enrique, also a northern Spain native like Mata, is said to be interested in the Spanish international for years now and is looking forward to a chance of snagging him this summer.

Enrique is reportedly looking for a player that can start alongside Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic in the midfield three while also has the ability to play backup to his front three of Luis Suarez, Neymar, and Lionel Messi.

Mata is said to be the perfect player the 45-year-old manager is searching for. However, the attacking midfielder is well-aware that he would have to show "marked improvement in form before the end of the season" to not give Enrique any hesitation of trying to sign him.

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Manchester United, Juan Mata, FC Barcelona, Manchester United rumors