DHAKA: Manchester United have confirmed they have reached a deal with Chelsea for Spanish midfielder Juan Mata, with the price thought to be £37m.

United said on Friday they would pay a club-record fee,  subject to the 25-year-old passing a medical and agreeing personal terms, reports BBC.

Their previous transfer record was the £30.75m paid to Tottenham for Dimitar Berbatov in 2008.

Mata joined Chelsea from Valencia for £23.5m in the summer of 2011.

Chelsea later also confirmed the deal.

In his Friday news conference, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said: "Things are going in a good direction. We have allowed Juan to travel and have the medical."

Mata has been Chelsea`s player of the year in each of the last two seasons, but has failed to command a regular starting place under Mourinho, who last summer returned to Stamford Bridge to start a second spell in charge.

"The player deserves respect and to play and because the offer is right, we allowed him to negotiate," added the Chelsea boss.

Mata, who has won 32 caps for Spain, said goodbye to team-mates and staff at Chelsea`s Cobham training ground on Wednesday.

Mourinho has trusted Eden Hazard, Oscar and summer signing Willian in attacking roles this season and, while his relationship with Mata is healthy, the Portuguese conceded Chelsea`s system does not suit the player.

Mourinho said: "I asked Mata when the offer came whether he really was happy to go and he said `yes, I am really happy to go`. After that we could feel mixed emotions.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for him. Another big club wants him in the country he wants to stay in, has made the right offer for him, so, although lots of clubs feel you should not sell to rivals, we are different."

On Tuesday, Chelsea insisted that Mata was not for sale, despite the fact he has been substituted in nine of his 13 Premier League appearances this season.

But Mata, who was part of the Spain squad which won the World Cup in 2010 and European Championship in 2012, now looks set to be a United player in time for Cardiff`s visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Mourinho continued: "I think this club is a special club and it cares for people. It is very respectful of its players and especially those who wrote history and Juan is one of these.

"He was fantastic for Chelsea and Chelsea was fantastic for him. We are not afraid he is going there to do very well. We want him to go there and be happy."

It was reported that Mata`s move would be delayed until Chelsea completed the signing of Mohamed Salah from FC Basel.

However, the 21-year-old Egypt midfielder still needs to accept personal terms, undergo a medical and receive a work permit.

BDST: 0838 HRS, JAN 25, 2014