Chelsea agree deal for Mata

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas last night edged closer towards addressing the club’s lack of midfield creativity after the club reached “an agreement in principle” with Valencia for Spain midfielder Juan Mata.

Villas-Boas targeted a new midfielder shortly after taking over at Stamford Bridge and Mata, who can play in the centre or on the left, will provide the youthful zest missing in recent months.