Spanish star Mata set to join Blues

CHELSEA and Valencia last night confirmed they have reached “an agreement in principle” for Juan Mata to join the west London club.

Neither club has disclosed the fee for the 23-year-old but both confirmed the transfer was subject to the player passing the relevant medical tests.

Chelsea’s statement last night read: “An agreement has been reached with Valencia CF for the transfer to Chelsea of midfielder Juan Manuel Mata.

“The move is now subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.”

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has identified a lack of creativity in midfield as one area which requires improvement before the transfer window closes and will no doubt hope the Spanish international can provide some guile to an ever-ageing squad.