Listen to the full interview with John via the podcast.

Juan Mata's transfer to Manchester United has not been confirmed as of yet. But if reports ring true, then it is more or less a done deal.

But John Giles does not think the Chelsea playmaker's arrival will flick a switch that will turn David Moyes' team from underachievers to "Champions League winners."

But on Thursday Night Football, John told us that he regards the potential signing as a step in the right direction for Man United and brushed aside Gary Neville's belief that Mata will not fit into the Reds' philosophy.

"Mata is not a left winger. He is more of a midfield player. He can get on the ball and create things which is badly needed in the Manchester United team. He'll have no problem fitting in between [Rooney and Van Persie]," said John.

"Where he'll have problem,s fitting in will be with the likes of Carrick, Cleverly and Fletcher in the middle of the field. None of those players have a creative bone in their bodies and Mata is a creative player. I think he'll be the first of a few signings for Man United. He's not going to do it on his own but it's the right step along the way."  

But John also wants the transfer window to be scrapped, although he felt Arsene Wenger is "never short of a good whinge" after the Arsenal manager questioned the timing of Chelsea's sale of Mata.

John also discussed Everton's Irish duo Seamus Coleman and Aiden McGeady. He believes that Coleman would not be making a mistake by signing a new deal at Everton despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, adding thatv it's "hard to put a price on happiness".

In McGeady's case, he believes the former Celtic winger "will surprise a few people" this season, even though he did have "misgivings" about him in the past,

John also had some harsh words for Roberto Mancini who took credit for Manchester City's good form this season. He pointed out that the Italian manager was "always falling out with people" due to his "arrogant approach."

And he also explained why he does not think Liverpool will finish higher than fourth.