La Liga giants Barcelona are reportedly keen on landing Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera on a free transfer next summer.
Spanish outlet Don Balon reports that Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has prioritised the 28-year-old at the end of the season as he looks to bolster the midfield options in the current squad.
The report claims that the Catalan club attempted to sign the Spaniard during the summer transfer window but a deal failed to materialise.
Herrera reportedly has no intention of extending his contract at Old Trafford with his current contract at the club expiring next summer.
Good move for Manchester United?
After he impressed with his performances last season, it is no surprise to see that a club like Barcelona are keeping tabs on Herrera.
The Spaniard was a key member of the United first-team last season, featuring in a total of 50 matches in all competitions.
The midfielder was pivotal in helping United pick up two major trophies last season, providing the assist for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s winning goal in the EFL Cup final and putting on a man of the match display in the Europa League final.
The Spaniard has become a firm fan favourite at Old Trafford with the supporters nominating the midfielder as the club’s best player at their annual award ceremony last season.
Although he has failed to feature on a regular basis during the early stages of the new season due to the inclusion of summer recruit Nemanja Matic, losing Herrera would be a massive blow to this United side given the energy and pressing ability he provides in the midfield.
United boss Jose Mourinho must try and tie Herrera down to a brand new deal at the club before Barcelona make an approach.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10
Likely to happen?
Barcelona boss Valverde could potentially play a key role in luring Herrera to the Camp Nou at the end of the season.
The midfielder played under him for La Liga side Athletic Bilbao during the 2013-14 campaign where he enjoyed an impressive season, contributing with five goals and six assists in all competitions.
If Herrera continues to play second fiddle to Matic and Marouane Fellaini this season, he could be tempted into completing a move back to his native Spain where he will be competing for the major trophies on a regular basis.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10