Spaniards want to take Herrera home

Bilbao are interested in re-signing United midfielder Ander Herrera, according to the Spanish club’s sporting director, Rafael Alkorta.

Herrera moved to Old Trafford from Athletic after the Reds activated a clause in his contract in the summer of 2014, when Louis Van Gaal was United manager.

The 29-year-old has won the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club but could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

United activated a one-year extension to his deal last year and are negotiating a new contract with the Spanish international at present, but Herrera has been free to discuss terms with foreign clubs since the beginning of this month.

Sources close to the player have told M.E.N. Sport that Herrera is committed to United but Alkorta, who was recently appointed sporting director at San Mames, insists Herrera is firmly on Athletic’s radar as the La Liga side – currently 17th in the division – look to avoid a first-ever relegation from Spain’s top tier.

“We are interested in Javi Martinez, Ibai, Ander Herrera, [Fernando] Llorente... we’re interested in all of them,” he told Spanish network Cadena Ser.

“We still haven’t made progress.

“We’ll get together on Tuesday to see what can be done. I have just returned and this week we will look at our options.”

Herrera has made 16 appearances for United this season.