Manchester United ‘laugh off Barcelona interest in Ander Herrera’ with Jose Mourinho set to offer midfielder new long-term deal
Red Devils have no plans to sell the midfielder who is incoming Barca boss Ernesto Valverde's top summer transfer target
MANCHESTER UNITED have laughed off Barcelona’s interest in Ander Herrera.
Reports in Catalonia this week claimed that the Spanish midfielder is top of incoming Barca boss Ernesto Valverde’s summer wishlist.
Herrera played under Valverde for a season at Athletic Bilbao before he moved to Old Trafford for £28.8million in 2014.
But, according to , United are ready to dash any hopes of a reunion – insisting they have no plans to sell.
And the club claims they have yet to receive any approach from the Copa Del Rey finalists for their player of the season.
Herrera, 27, has enjoyed his finest campaign in a United shirt and has established himself as Jose Mourinho’s first-choice holding player in midfield.
He is entering the final year of his contract but Mourinho is planning to tie the star down with an improved long-term deal.
Barcelona are set for a squad overhaul after losing their La Liga title to Real Madrid with midfield reinforcements the No1 priority.
Andre Gomes has flopped after his £41.7m signing from Valencia last year while club legend Andres Iniesta has struggled for both form and fitness this campaign.
Herrera would compete with Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic for a starting spot – with Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho another potential addition.
Despite his improved form in the Premier League, Herrera has gained just two caps for Spain and missed out again on their squad for June’s internationals.
A move to Spain would likely help his international ambitions should Barca convince United to sell.