Spanish attacking midfielder Juan Mata flew in to Manchester by helicopter on Saturday to complete his transfer to Manchester United, the Premier League champions announced.

United confirmed on Friday that they have agreed a deal to sign the 25-year-old from Chelsea for a "club-record fee", with media reports claiming he will cost £37 million ($61.3 million, 45.3 million euros).

The deal is subject to the completion of a medical examination and agreement over personal terms.

Photographs published on United's Twitter account on Saturday showed Mata, wearing a white shirt and grey blazer, greeting United manager David Moyes at the club's Carrington training complex.

"Juan Mata has arrived at the Aon Training Complex to begin his medical," the club said on Twitter.

"Mata was greeted by #mufc boss David Moyes after he touched down by helicopter."

The deal is set to eclipse the £30.75 million that United paid Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 to sign Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Mata joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 and was voted the club's player of the year in his first two seasons, but he has fallen out of favour since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge as manager last year.

Pending the completion of the transfer, Mata is expected to go straight into the squad for United's home game against Cardiff City in the league on Tuesday.

His signing reflects Moyes's eagerness to arrest a startling decline in United's fortunes since the Scot succeeded Alex Ferguson as manager at the end of last season.

United are currently 14 points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League and have been knocked out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup this month, although they have reached the last 16 in the Champions League.

United striker Robin van Persie welcomed Mata's arrival, writing on Twitter: "Welcome Juan Mata see you all tuesday."

Centre-back Rio Ferdinand tweeted: "Welcome to my amigo @juanmata10 ! Hoping you enjoy ya time here and help continue the success at this club."

Mata will join countryman David de Gea at Old Trafford and the United goalkeeper gave his fellow Spaniard a playful welcome, tweeting: "Welcome to my brother @juanmata10 just one thing....Not the best clothes!"

Meanwhile, reports in the British media on Saturday claimed that United have opened talks with striker Wayne Rooney over a new contract.

The 28-year-old England striker has 18 months remaining on his current deal and was the subject of two unsuccessful bids from Chelsea during the close season.