Juan Mata is considering a January exit from Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News says Mata, 33, started in the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham last week but was substituted after 62 minutes and the Spaniard was omitted from the Premier League squad against Aston Villa at the weekend.

This season is almost certain to be Mata's last at United as he is out of contract in June and turns 34 in April, but he is understood to be open to a move in the January transfer window unless he figures more regularly.

Mata would either be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club or leave for a fee in the New Year.