Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has rubbished reports of a possible move for Chelsea duo Juan Mata and David Luiz in the January transfer window.
The Spaniard, who was an interim manager of Chelsea, last season, was thought to preparing for a raid in the winter transfer window for the two unsettled players. The former Liverpool manager however claimed that is simply not the case.
While speaking to the press conference, he said, as quoted by Sky Sports:
“I read in the papers that we are close to a deal for Mascherano, David Luiz and Mata, but that is not true. It is very difficult to get players like that.
“On most of the players linked with Napoli, there isn’t a real interest from us.”
The Sunday Times writer Duncan Castles wrote yesterday that Mata has turned to Napoli boss Rafa Benitez to help provide a way out of Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard’s father, who is also his agent, is exploring transfer options and Napoli could be among his preferred destinations.
The Spaniard has only started 11 out of Chelsea’s 20 league games this season, with Mourinho favouring Oscar for the no 10 role. The Portuguese recently claimed that the ‘door is open’ for Mata, though at the same time he insisted the former Valencia star won’t be sold in the January transfer window.
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