Atletico fear being priced out of Mata pursuit

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted the club are interested in Juan Mata, but may not be able to afford the playmaker.

Mata has been the subject of intense speculation since the close-season arrival of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, and has only started one of their three Premier League fixtures under the returning manager.

The 25-year-old only missed three league games last season, and was an integral part of Chelsea’s side that finished third and won the UEFA Europa League.

Mata was reportedly being considered by Chelsea as a potential makeweight in a move for Manchester United attacker Wayne Rooney, but Mourinho has continually insisted he is determined to keep the Spain international.

Cerezo admitted that there was interest from Atletico to bring Mata back to La Liga, however, he raised concerns that they could be priced out of signing him.

“Mata is a good player,” Cerezo said following Atletico’s 5-0 victory over Real Valladolid. “But he is in the Premier League and over there they are paid a lot.

“We have a fantastic squad and right now I do not know if the coach is planning to bring in anyone else or not, but even so, we have seven days.”

Cerezo’s comments came after Atletico manager Diego Simeone had refused to comment on the reports linking the club with a move for the Spain international.