United back in for Herrera

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, according to the Metro.

The 24 year old has a release clause which is set to rise to £33.5m next week, though incoming United boss Louis van Gaal has acted fast to secure a deal at his current buy-out price, with a four year deal on the table worth around £9.2m.

Herrera, who began his career with Zaragoza was close to signing for the then Premier League champions twelve months ago, though the protracted transfer fell through in farcical circumstances amid reports of fake lawyers attempting to negotiate a deal.

In two seasons with Bilbao, he has made eighty-nine appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and finishing as runner up in both the Copa Del Rey and the Europa League in 2012, whilst internationally he was part of the Spain squad that won the 2011 European U21 Championships.