Manchester United Have Herrera Offer Rejected - Why They Could Still Sign Him

Manchester United supporters have lamented their club’s lack of central midfield options for a while now.  Despite being strongly linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Ander Herrera, will they be able to agree a deal for him?

According to Sky Sports, the Basque club have rejected an offer from the Red Devils of almost £29 million.  As well as having a bid turned down, a reported buy-out clause of £28 million rising to £32 million at the start of next month could cause problems for United in their pursuit of the player.

Approaching 25 years of age, Herrera is surprisingly still yet to represent his country at full international level.  He has, though, played in several of Spain’s youth teams, ranging from under-20 level to a handful of appearances for the under-23 side.  The midfielder was a standout performer as Spain won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2011, being named in the team of the tournament alongside compatriots and potential future club team-mates David de Gea and Juan Mata.

Although the latest news from the Bilbao club suggests they are reluctant to let the player go, there is still plenty of time left for United to sign Herrera.  The widespread criticism of last summer’s charade in the transfer market should mean that they do a better job of bringing signings in this time around. 

A disastrous campaign by their own high standards has left the 13-time Premier League champions in need of a serious recovery.  That reason alone would suggest that, if they really want him, Herrera will arrive at Old Trafford before the transfer window shuts.

Follow @_TonyDavies