The January transfer window has opened with the sensational revelation, which we reported a couple of days ago, that Mata is free to leave. This came post Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Southampton yesterday. Mata started the game for the Blues but he was substituted very early on in the second half, much to the frustration of the Spanish international.

Mourinho decided to take him off for Brazilian midfielder Oscar, who he has taken a strong liking to ever since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. A clearly baffled and angry Mata vented out his frustration by blatantly ignoring Mourinho while coming off, and steaming down to the substitutes’ bench while cursing his manager’s decision.

Mourinho was then asked about Mata’s reaction post the match where he dropped the bomb that even though he wants him to stay, he will not be stopped if he wishes to leave. Yahoo! Eurosport reported the Portugese as saying, “I want to keep him. I want to keep him. I don’t want him to go. That’s my opinion, my wish. But my door is open and the club’s door is open too. When a player wants to speak with us we are there waiting.”

The return of Mourinho to Chelsea has clearly not done any good for the 25-year old, who has gone from being a pivotal player to just being a squad player this time around. Given this recent development, do you see him seeking a move away, now that the transfer window has swung open? With teams like Tottenham and Manchester United serious admirers there would be no shortage of buyers for Mata but Mourinho is way too cute to empower one of his rivals with such a talent who would have a point to prove.