Ander Herrera reportedly intends to stay put at Manchester United, despite interest from Barcelona over a possible move next summer.
According to a report by ESPN, Ander Herrera is ready to snub offers to leave Manchester United, who are eager to tie the Spaniard down to a new deal. The former Athletic Bilbao superstar is the subject of interest from Barcelona, where Ernesto Valverde is eager to reunite with him.
Herrera joined Manchester United from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2014, and the four years that have followed have been a mixed bag for the 29-year-old. Under Jose Mourinho’s tutelage, he has gone from being a key figure and a Player of the Year for Manchester United, to a bit-part player last season.
In the current campaign, the former Athletic Bilbao superstar has managed to amass just two outings, although that can largely be chalked down to an ankle injury. While Mourinho has insisted that Herrera remains an important player for Manchester United, rumours have been rife about an impending exit since this past summer, with Barcelona among those interested.
Manchester United ended up retaining the services of the summer beyond the summer transfer window. But, with less than 12 months remaining on his current deal at Old Trafford, speculation is starting to intensify, giving impetus to suitors like Barcelona.
The continued interest from Barcelona though, comes as a bit of a surprise, with the Blaugrana linked with a number of midfielders who could be a long-term option for them. These include the likes of Frenkie De Jong, Adrien Rabiot and Herrera’s teammate at Manchester United, Paul Pogba.
Nevertheless, it looks like Barcelona are going to go through with their interest in Herrera, and attempt to reach a pre-agreement in January over a Bosman move next summer. Herrera though, intends to stay put at Manchester United and fight for his place in the first-team setup at Old Trafford.
The report does suggest that the Premier League heavyweights are eager to agree terms over a new deal with the 29-year-old. Herrera too, is ready to turn down offers from other clubs to remain at the club, which would come as a blow to Barcelona.
Barcelona’s chances of securing the services of Ander Herrera look bleak for now, with Manchester United stepping up their efforts to tie him down to a new contract. But, it remains to be seen if there’s a twist in the tale, even if it doesn’t appear likely right now.
