Atletico Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Ander Herrera, and are eyeing a summer move for the Manchester United midfielder
Spanish publication AS have reported that Ander Herrera is the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid. Los Rojiblancos are set to make a move for the Spaniard next summer, and could sign him on a free transfer, with his contract at Old Trafford set to come to an end at the end of the season.
Herrera has endured a topsy-turvy spell at Manchester United, since switching allegiances from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2014. Over the last three years, the Spaniard has gone from being a regular to a bit-part player to featuring prominently back again.
In fact, last season Herrera made such a profound impact at Manchester United that he was adjudged as the club’s Player of the Season. However, the 28-year-old has seen his role reduced since the arrival of Nemanja Matic, having only been able to feature regularly of late due to the injuries suffered by Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini.
Ander Herrera has already said yes to Atletico Madrid. His Manchester Utd contract expires in the Summer of 2018. [AS] pic.twitter.com/7U8FbDjsna
— Transfer Related (@TransferRelated) November 10, 2017
He remains an important member of Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad at Old Trafford, which can also be sensed by the fact that Manchester United have tabled a new long-term deal to him. But, not much progress has been made over a renewal, with Herrera refusing to sign the dotted line, as per the report.
With his current contract set to run out at the end of the season, concerns are mounting surrounding his future at the club. Meanwhile, there has been no dearth of interest for the player’s services, particularly from Spain, with Atletico Madrid the latest suitors in his pursuit.
Diego Simeone currently has the likes of Thomas Partey, Saul Niguez, Koke, Gabi and Augusto Fernandez as his current central midfield options. But, Herrera’s work ethic, intelligence and tactical discipline are qualities that would help him fit seamlessly into the Atletico Madrid first-team setup.
The report suggests that Simeone has sanctioned the move for Herrera and the player might be open to making the switch to Wanda Metropolitano as well. However, Manchester United remain intent on getting the player to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, lest they risk losing him for free.
It now remains to be seen if the Red Devils indeed manage to persuade Herrera to put pen to paper on a new contract, or if Atletico Madrid poach him away from Old Trafford for free next summer. Los Rojiblancos will be able to talk to the player from January, which would further increase concerns about his future.
