Ander Herrera's Agent Reacts to Manchester United's Renewed Interest

Ander Herrera's agent Arturo Canales has told IBTimes UK the Spaniard is likely to remain at Athletic Bilbao next season – while denying recent reports which claimed Manchester United had made a fresh approach to secure the Spaniard's services.

The Premier League giants were already close to signing Herrera last summer but the deal collapsed on deadline day because the two clubs failed to agree a fee – with United refusing to meet his €36m (£29m) release clause.

Recents reports in Spain claimed Manchester United were set to renew their efforts to sign Herrera by launching a €32m (£26m) bid to finally secure his services.

However, Herrera's agent speaking to IBTimes UK has denied receiving a new approach from United – while insisting the player wants to stay in La Liga.

"There has been nothing new. There have been rumours all year, saying that United would try to sign him again this summer and even that Mourinho wanted him for Chelsea but we have not heard anything. Player is focus at Athletic and nothing else."

It is understood that last summer Herrera was happy to move to Old Trafford to take a big step in his career. However, following United's dismal campaign last season and after Athletic secured Champions League football by finishing fourth place in La Liga last season Canales tells IBTimes UK he is now looking forward to play with his team in Europe next season.

"Ander has been on holidays and he is just focused on the upcoming season with Athletic because he is very excited about playing Champions League with his team."

Manchester United are yet to sign any player this summer and according to reports Louis Van gaal is desperately trying to bolster the midfielder with a playmaker like Herrera – having also been linked with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Tony Kroos and Cesc Fabregas.

Nevertheless, Canales' comments give few hopes to United about securing Herrera whose €36m release clause will rise to €40m from the first of next month - forcing the Red Devils to act quickly.