Napoli manager Rafa Benitez is ready to rescue Juan Mata from his Chelsea nightmare by offering him a World Cup lifeline in Italy.
The former Chelsea manager knows Mata well from his time at Stamford Bridge and is ready to sign Mata now that it is clear that he is frustrated by the treatment he is receiving from Jose Mourinho.
Less than a day after he was substituted by Mourinho in the match against Southampton, following which the Daily Mirror reports that the Chelsea boss said the door is open should Mata want to leave Napoli representatives got in touch with the west London club.
People close to Mata are saying that the Spanish international will not push to leave Chelsea unless it is made clear to him that he has no future with the club.
During his spell at Chelsea Benítez made Mata the cornerstone of his team and believes that he can beat Juventus, Inter Milan and PSG to the signing of the 25-year-old.
Premiership sides Liverpool and Manchester United are also interested in Mata but it is thought that Mourinho would not sell to a Premiership rival.
Meanwhile Mourinho is expected on Friday to announce that Mata is not for sale, but should a significant bid come in from Napoli all could change.
