Manchester United are reportedly seeking to tie down Ander Herrera in a new long-term deal amid interest from Barcelona
According to a report by The Telegraph, Manchester United are set to sign a new long-term deal with Ander Herrera to secure his future amid reports of Barcelona pursuing the talented midfielder.
The 27-year-old Herrera has a year left on his contract which he signed back in June 2014 following a £28.8 million move from Athletic Bilbao. His initial two seasons saw him struggle for a starting spot under Louis van Gaal. Once Jose Mourinho took charge, the Spaniard started playing more regularly, as a result of which, he has improved significantly.
The last season, especially, saw him become the Portuguese manager’s first choice midfielder alongside Paul Pogba wherein Herrera played a central role as the club won the Europa League. In fact, as things stand now, Herrera is often touted as the potential future captain for the Manchester United squad.
He has not only managed to establish himself as a key figure for the United squad, but also blossomed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. For most parts of this transfer window, Barcelona have been heavily linked with him, and it is believed that new manager Ernesto Valverde is an ardent admirer of the midfielder.
Barcelona signed Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes as midfield reinforcements last summer, but neither of them managed to live up to their potential. Both players put up disappointing performances, to say the least, which botched up the Spanish club’s overall performances last season.
Additionally, club captain Andres Iniesta is approaching the end of his glittering career as well, and it is believed that Barcelona are keen to sign a worthy successor for him. Hence, signing a quality midfielder is the need of the hour for the Catalan club, with Herrera being identified as a potential target.
However, Barcelona are likely to be in for a disappointment since it is understood that Herrera sees his long-term future at Old Trafford and is quite eager to extend his contract this summer. This will come as good news for Manchester United though, since the player has truly cemented a place for himself in the United midfield.