According to reports in the Daily Star, Manchester United have opened talks with midfielder Ander Herrera over a new £175,000-a-week deal as they look to see off interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid in the Spaniard.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Herrera signed a four-year deal worth £100,000-a-week when he moved to Old Trafford in 2014 from Athletic Bilbao but he struggled to make an impression in the United midfield under previous boss Louis van Gaal, who often deployed him in a more defensive role.
However, he was given more freedom by Jose Mourinho last season and quickly became one of the Red Devils’ key players, with the Daily Star saying his performances have attracted interest from La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
With just one year remaining on his contract, the report adds that Portuguese boss is keen to tie the 27-year-old down and the club are ready to offer him a long-term deal until 2021 worth £175,000-a-week.
How good was Herrera last season?
He was excellent.
The Spaniard spent the majority of the campaign playing in central midfield and he quickly showed that he was able to dictate the side’s play, and he ended the campaign having made 50 appearances in all competitions, winning the club’s Player of the Year award.
The 27-year-old scored twice in those outings but it was perhaps his creative ability from the middle of the park that shone through as he provided 11 assists.
How vital is it United get him tied down to a new deal?
It’s pretty crucial actually considering they don’t have an abundance of options in the middle of the park.
With Michael Carrick getting no younger, question marks over Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba seemingly more effective in a more advanced role.
If the Spaniard doesn’t sign a new contract this summer he could be available for nothing next year, and the Red Devils certainly won’t want that to happen.
They will certainly need to be confident that he will agree to the terms that they are ready to offer him.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, there is no doubt that after a sluggish start Herrera has really started to show how important he can be in Jose Mourinho’s United side, and they must get their offer right if they want to keep hold of him.
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