Ander Herrera deal could go through within hours, according to reports from Spain.
Manchester United could tie up a deal for classy Spanish playmaker Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao within hours, according to reports from Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.
United tried to sign the player twelve months ago but met with resistance from Athletic Bilbao, who are known to only sell players for the release clauses that are inserted into their contracts due to the club’s strict Basque-only player policy.
United’s revival of the interest in Herrera has come as a surprise, with other midfielders such as Toni Kroos and Paul Pogba having dominated much of the summer transfer talk at Old Trafford.
Herrera was an integral part of the Athletic Bilbao side that clinched Champions League qualification last season, with the 24 year-old being a central midfielder capable of mixing an excellent passing range with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
He would certainly add both creativity and bite to a midfield that was often criticised in United’s shambolic 2013/14 campaign for lacking both of those key attributes.
New United boss Louis van Gaal does not officially start his job at Old Trafford until his Netherlands side are knocked out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but the Dutchman is likely to be dictating transfer policy at Old Trafford.
If Van Gaal’s Dutch side are anything to judge his preferences on then Herrera is likely to be a player who fits the bill, with the Oranje having served up both quality and enthusiasm at the tournament as they breezed through a group containing both Spain and Chile.
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