Manchester United have made a bid for Chelsea's Juan Mata this afternoon.

According to reports, the bid of about £40 million (€48 million), was made through a third party.

Adding to the intrigue, the playmaker was absent from training at Chelsea's Cobham base today, although reports also suggested that he was on the premises to discuss a move away with the club.

The Telegraph also cited sources who claim thay the 25-year-old is preparing for a medical.

Mata has been widely linked with United in recent days following his struggles to become a first choice in Jose Mourinho's Chelsea team in the first half of this season.

Last night, Kevin Kilbane told Off The Ball that Mata's signature could lead to other marquee players making the move to Old Trafford in the summer.