Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is back among the transfer rumours in Spanish media and this time it is Atletico Madrid who have been linked. According to reports from AS, the midfielder is being coveted by Atletico manager Diego Simeone and the player is receptive to the move as well.

Herrera is out of contract at Old Trafford next summer although the Red Devils have the option of extending it by one year. Talks over a new contract have already started but there is, as yet, no sign of progression from either camp.

That has given rise to speculation in the media that the player could be unhappy with the lack of starts this season. After establishing himself under Jose Mourinho last season, the arrival of Nemanja Matic has seen Herrera get relegated to the bench.

Despite being United’s player of the year last season, the Spaniard still finds himself on the fringes of Mourinho’s squad. Although he has publicly stated his desire to fight for his place, there is hope from Atletico that Herrera could be open to a move.

Simeone believes that the Spanish playmaker is exactly the sort of player his side is currently missing. The player’s reluctance to sign a new contract has encouraged Atletico to ramp up their efforts to push for a deal. Herrera being linked to Atletico is not new as a year ago, it was mooted as a possibility after the midfielder was deemed unhappy under Louis van Gaal’s management. However, the arrival of Jose turned Herrera into a key player.

United still believe that Herrera is vital to their team and are making every effort to make him sign the new contract. Even if they can’t, the club could trigger the optional one-year clause in his contract to buy more time.

Our Verdict

So, does this report have any steam? For now, the player is calm about his situation and is not creating drama, which is good news for the fans. However, should he decide to extract some promises of first-team action for signing a new contract, it may push Mourinho to think again.

Whichever way it swings, the next couple of months would be interesting for Herrera!