Midfielder Juan Mata is now being kept waiting by Manchester United over talks about a new deal.

The Old Trafford midfielder was sounded out earlier this year but his agent father, Juan Snr, told the club he wanted to wait until the summer and see how things develop.

United officials, however, are now in no hurry and are fully focused on capturing the transfer targets identified by Jose Mourinho, with Mata's camp currently playing a nervous waiting game.

The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his present £170,000 per week deal and wants to commit the rest of his peak playing years to the Red Devils, having won over the concerns of his former Chelsea manager, Mourinho.

United, though, do have the option of activating a 12-month extension at their own behest, which offers the club a degree of protection that Mata can't walk away from the Theatre of Dreams next year on a free transfer.

United insiders believe a deal will get done at some point but Mata would like his long-term future cleared up quickly so he can concentrate fully going into a World Cup year.