With Manchester United still pursuing a double-deal for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines from Everton (with their latest £36m bid knocked back and United expected to go above £40m for the duo), the club has now been reported to have made a 30m Euros offer for another midfielder, a move thought to be independent of their pursuit of the Everton duo.
Spanish radio station Cadena Cope reported on last night that Manchester United have submitted a 30 million euro offer for 24-year-old midfielder Ander Herrera. The Athletic Bilbao player has a 36m Euros release clause and he is likely to cost at least that amount, so expect United’s first bid to be rejected before United return with an offer (if there is still time left).
Bilbao have lost two of their best players in the last two seasons with Javi Martinez going to Bayern Munich and Fernando Llorente leaving for Juventus. Herrera along with the striker Iker Munian are two of the remaining star players left at the Basque club, and Marca claim that Herrera is likely to leave this summer with United determined to bolster their midfield.
This is the third midfielder United have made a bid for in this summer transfer window, with Fabregas and Ozil both being persuaded to stay by their respective clubs (Fabregas through an offer of greater playing time, Ozil through an enhanced sponsorship deal through Adidas).
Bilbao don’t have the financial muscle to compete with Madrid and Barcelona, and a move to United would be a great step up for Herrera’s career. It will come down to whether United follow through with their intent and spend money this summer to sign the reinforcements they need to retain their league title and challenge for the Champions League trophy.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
