Barcelona are the latest team to be linked with a move for Chelsea star Juan Mata, after speculation of Jose Mourinho’s plans were not centered around the Spaniard, despite an impressive season at Stamford Bridge.

Mata, who has been one of the most influential midfielders in the Barclays Premier League, never-mind Chelsea, won the award for the Player of the Season, and the Players’ Player of the Season award, which recognized the respect he commanded from his fellow players on and off the field.

Barcelona, as a side, are dominated by talented Spanish players and Mata’s continued progress at Chelsea has not gone unnoticed in Europe. Also, with Mourinho’s arrival at the club, Mata may or may not be the figurehead in his plans for the midfield. Mourinho’s strong faith in Frank Lampard is known to all, which means the England international will be key in the midfield next season. With Michael Essien also returning to Chelsea from his loan period at Real Madrid, Mata may have to settle for fewer appearances in the first team.

Mata has also been linked with a move to Madrid, with Florentino Perez’s side still without a manager, and desperate to strengthen ahead of the new season, with the quest of winning the title back from their arch rivals.

Barcelona will have a tough time convincing Mata to join if Madrid do put in a competitive bid, due to his past connections with the club. Mata began his career at Madrid, where he was part of their youth academy from 2003 to 2006. The left-footer was recognized as a top talent, but due to the senior side being full of stars who could not be replaced at the time, Mata was given a place in the Real Madrid B side, where he was given his first professional contract. The player’s golden period came at Valencia, where he played 129 games, scoring 33 goals, before making the move to Stamford Bridge.

With his compatriots Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets firm members of the first team, Mata could be persuaded by Barcelona’s interest.