Jamie Ireland
With the World Cup in full swing and only two weeks until the transfer window officially opens, Manchester United’s transfer activity is beginning to heat up.
The Daily Star reports that Louis van Gaal has instructed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to put in another bid for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera.
The 24 year-old Basque was one of David Moyes’ top transfer targets last summer, but a fee could not be agreed between the clubs.
Herrera has enjoyed his best ever season for Bilbao, making 33 appearances in the league, scoring five goals and providing five assists. (Squawka)
The former Zaragoza man is at the heart of everything Bilbao do, he regulates their free flowing football and dictates the speed of play from centre midfield.
His technical ability would certainly appeal to Louis van Gaal, who is looking to add higher quality players to the current playing staff at Old Trafford.
However, there are a few problems with the deal which may stop it from moving forward.
Firstly, it is believed United will offer £25 million for Herrera, even though in his contract there is rumoured to be a £30 million release clause.
Surely it would save time just to pay the release clause and leave Bilbao no choice, just as Bayern Munich did with former Bilbao favourite Javi Martinez.
Secondly, if Manchester United try to play ‘transfer chicken’ with the Basques, they will lose. They were stubborn enough to make Fernando Llorente sit on the bench for a season instead of sell below their asking price.
And finally, Ernesto Valverde’s men finished fourth behind the big three in La Liga and secured Champions League football for the first time since 1999.
Would he really abandon his chance to represent his hometown club in the Champions League, for money and the Premier League.
