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.

Juan Manuel Mata Garcia was born on April 28, 1988, beginning his career at Real Oviedo close to where he grew up, but as a 15-year-old he was signed by Real Madrid and joined the club's Academy where he would stay until 2007.

Despite starring on the left wing for Real's B side, Mata agreed a move to their La Liga rivals Valencia in 2007, and spent four years at the Mestalla as he became one of their most important and renowned players.

Mata trains at the Bridge with David Silva in 2007

After making his debut in a 2-1 win over Almeria, he went on to appear 24 times in his first league campaign, contributing five goals and netting both in the semi-final of the Copa Del Rey, and the final on the way to lifting silverware and being voted the club's Young Player of the Year. He was a second-half substitute in their 0-0 Champions League draw at Stamford Bridge in December 2007.

The next season he played all but one of the league games, adding a further 10 goals and forcing his way into the full Spain squad, eventually making his debut in March 2009 and another season of creativity and goals meant a place in the 2010 victorious World Cup squad, where he appeared just once as a substitute in place of Fernando Torres.

Mata scores for Valencia against Villarreal

His final season with Valencia saw the 5ft 7ins playmaker appear another 33 times, amid speculation of a move abroad, eventually opting for a move to west London after another impressive summer at the European Under 21 Championship in Denmark, captaining Spain to glory while being voted into the Team of the Tournament.

Mata will become the third Spaniard to join the club in 2011 following the arrivals of Torres and Oriol Romeu.


http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2427778,00.html