Chelsea will not sell Juan Mata, Man City are in the market for a defender

Yesterday’s Champions League draw managed to generate a little bit of Premier League transfer news.

Neil Bath, Chelsea’s youth development officer, claimed the club had not intention of selling Juan Mata, despite the Spain international being linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

He said: “That’s the absolute message. Mata has been our player of the year for the last two years.

“He is absolutely a key player in the club and Juan is not going anywhere.”

Meanwhile, Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s sporting director, said the club was generally pleased with the squad but might try to add an extra defender.

He said: “The market finishes on September 2 at 11pm – until that then football is always giving you some options.

“But we are very, very, happy with the squad as it is now. But we can improve.”

Asked about the possibility of signing a defender, he added: “Maybe. We are having some injuries and maybe we will try to improve this area.”