Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is set to sign a new deal at the club before the end of the year. The Spanish midfielder has seen his place in the starting XI usurped by new signing Nemanja Matic but the 28-year-old is a key member in Jose Mourinho’s plans.

That probably explains why Herrera is calm over talks as he prepares to commit his future to United, according to reports from The Mirror.

The Spanish midfielder’s current deal expires next summer although the Red Devils have the option of extending it by an additional year. Mourinho has already indicated that the club would take up the option and now it looks like Herrera would be offered new terms.

This should ease the tension among a certain quarter of the fans as reports flew around in the summer about Barcelona’s interest in Herrera. The Catalans are in the market for a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta and have earmarked Herrera as one of the options.

Thankfully for the club, Herrera hasn’t been swayed by the attention as he feels he is an integral part of the Red Devils. The Spanish midfielder is a fan favourite and many fans even see him as a future captain of the first team.

The arrival of Matic did raise some questions about his place in Mourinho’s plans although Herrera has always insisted that he is happy to fight for his position at a big club like United. It is also understood that there are no issues between the player and the manager after he was censured for inviting a friend associated with Celta Vigo to United’s training before the Europa League semi-final.

After a difficult season under Louis van Gaal, Herrera settled into his role after Mourinho took charge of the club last year. He even went on to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award apart from being called up for the Spanish national squad.

The former Athletic Bilbao star has scored 15 goals from 125 appearances for the Red Devils but his influence goes beyond the goals scored and the minutes spent on the pitch.

Signing a new deal will signify his importance in Mourinho’s long-term plans.