Manchester United have again been linked with a move for Arturo Vidal, with Juan Mata considered to be the man holding the key to a possible deal for the Chilean midfielder.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Juventus will allow the 27-year-old in January and United look to be in pole position to land the Chilean as they could offer Mata to the Serie A champions. With the arrival of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria, Mata’s opportunities have been limited this season, even though the Spaniard has netted twice this season and will start games against West Brom and Chelsea given Wayne Rooney’s suspension.
Vidal was at the centre of the biggest transfer saga of the summer, with contrasting reports linking him with a move to United virtually every second day, while the club itself vehemently denied having made an approach to Juventus for the 27-year-old.
The Chilean international has been blighted by a knee problem this summer and is yet to reach the heights of the last two season with Juventus, while his off-field antics have not gone down well with the Turin-based club.
Vidal was fined £78,400 by Juventus after being pictured on a night out less than 72 hours before a game with Roma and was then left on the bench as Juventus won 3-2, but coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted afterwards the decision was purely tactical. The Juventus manager, however, said the Chilean must improve his attitude.
“There is no rift with Vidal. He didn’t play against Roma for technical reasons. He has played a lot of games and this match came in a period when he has played in fits and starts,” Allegri said.
“He’s had a knee problem and returned from the national team with flexor trouble.
“What happened off the pitch had nothing to do with it. That’s a matter for the club. Now, though, he must adopt a different attitude.”
United are still looking for a dominant central midfielder, so expect this saga to rumble on into January.

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