Manchester United have opened talks with Ander Herrera about extending his stay at the club amid reports Ernesto Valverde wants to reunite with the midfielder at Barcelona, reports The Daily Mirror.
Herrera established himself as a key player under Jose Mourinho last season and failing to make a significant impression during his first two years at the club with Louis van Gaal.
The Spain international, who has entered the final 12 months of his existing deal, has maintained he is happy at Old Trafford and has endeared himself to the United supporters since joining from Athletic Club in 2014.
However, Herrera’s immense form for United over the last 12 months has landed him on the radar of Barcelona, who are now managed by Herrera’s former coach at Athletic Club, Valverde.
Mourinho called Herrera one of the smartest players he has ever coached in the aftermath of the club’s Europa league final triumph in May and United have no interest in losing one of their best players, with contract talks now underway.
In the wake of Wayne Rooney’s departure to Everton, Michael Carrick has been promoted to captain and there are suggestions Herrera will now become of the club’s vice-captains after his tremendous campaign last season.
Only Oriol Romeu (89) and N’Golo Kante (82) made more interceptions than Herrera (81) of all midfielders in the Premier League last season.
For more stats on Ander Herrera, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
