Juan Mata plans to take his time before deciding whether or not to commit his future to Manchester United, sources have told ESPN FC.
The Spaniard is in talks with the club about extending his stay at Old Trafford and has been offered a new contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old would like to stay at United, where he has made 199 appearances since joining from Chelsea for a then club record fee of £37.1 million in January 2014.
However, the former Valencia forward is prepared to wait before making a final decision, according to the sources.
Mata was sold to United by Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese coach’s second spell at Chelsea but has played a key role under the 55-year-old at Old Trafford, making 40 or more appearances in each of his first two seasons at the club.
The World Cup winner, who will be allowed to negotiate with clubs outside England from January, has been linked with Arsenal where his former Valencia manager Unai Emery is the current boss.
Mata is one of three first-team regulars who could leave Old Trafford for free at the end of the season.
United have secured Luke Shaw’s future with a new long-term contract but Mata, Ander Herrera and Ashley Young could all be available for free in the summer. Sources have told ESPN FC the club are in negotiations with Herrera and Young.
Mourinho has been handed a boost ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to Old Trafford on Saturday after Anthony Martial, Marouane Fellaini and Diogo Dalot were able to train on Tuesday.
Martial and Fellaini did not take part in international duty with France and Belgium, respectively, because of injury. Dalot has been sidelined since the Carabao Cup defeat to Derby County on Sept. 25.