Manchester United Set to Complete Ander Herrera Transfer

Manchester United look set to complete the transfer of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera by meeting his €36m release clause, according to AS.

Former manager David Moyes was a big fan of the stylish Spanish midfielder who was linked to United throughout last summer's transfer window. But the move broke down on deadline day owing to the price, alleged shoddy negotiations and imposters reportedly posing as club officials.

Incoming Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal has followed up on the interest by making sure he gets the player this time around.

According to reports, United have already met the release clause in the player's contract and want to complete the deal without any hiccups this summer.

Herrera had an impressive season with Bilbao scoring five goals and providing the same number of assists in 33 league appearances. He also helped the Basque club qualify for the Champions League, a competition in which he will not feature in if he moves to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are reported to have already agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old midfielder and want to push on with the completion of the transfer as quickly as possible. It is said that Herrera's release clause is set to rise to €40m from 1 July.

Earlier, the Bilbao midfielder's agent Arturo Canales played down speculation of a move to England. He claimed his client was happy in Spain and looked forward to playing in the Champions League with his current club.

"There's nothing new. There have been rumours all year saying United wanted to sign him and then Jose Mourinho and Chelsea, but I haven't heard anything," Canales said, as quoted in the Express.

"The focus of the player is Athletic and nothing else. Ander is on vacation and he only thinks about next season with Athletic, because he is very excited to play in the Champions League with this team," the Spanish player's agent added.