The Spanish international left Old Trafford in June when his contract ran out after 285 games and 51 goals and 47 assists.

During his time at United, Mata also won the FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield. But because United wanted to retool, they decided not to extend his contract in the summer when he was 34. As a result, he left for free after joining Chelsea for a then-club-record £37 million in January 2014.

In an emotional farewell message to United, the 2010 World Cup winner wrote, "It has taken me some time to process the change that is happening in my life. “I would like to say I am the proudest man in the world to have represented this unique club for the last eight-and-a-half seasons."

“I couldn’t be more grateful for what my career has brought to me so far, and I am as excited as that little kid about what the future might bring from now on.”

Mata has been linked with a number of clubs since his exit, including Premier League club Fulham. But he now looks close to joining Galatasaray, who finished 13th in the Super Lig last season after a woeful campaign.

A statement from the club said: “Official negotiations have started with the football player regarding the transfer of professional football player Juan Manuel Mata Garcia to our club.”