London - Juan Mata is edging closer to joining Manchester United from Chelsea.
In a sign that Mata's Chelsea exit is nearing, a person familiar with the situation says the midfielder didn't train with the first team on Wednesday.
United said it is yet to make a formal bid for Mata, but another person with knowledge of the situation says the club is pursuing the Spaniard in the January transfer window.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the transfer is not being discussed publicly.
Britain's Press Association said United has lodged a 40 million-pound ($66-million) bid through a third party.
The 25-year-old Mata, Chelsea's player of the year for the last two seasons, has fallen out of favor since Jose Mourinho returned as manager in June.
Sapa-AP