Manchester United open contract talks with Ander Herrera to fend off Barcelona interest

Posted Saturday, July 29, 2017 by Express.co.uk

Manchester United open contract talks with Ander Herrera to fend off Barcelona interest
Ander Herrera worked under Ernesto valverde during his time at Athletic Bilbao

MANCHESTER United have opened contract talks with Ander Herrera in a bid to fend off interest in the midfielder from Barcelona.

The Spain international, who joined United three years ago in a £28 million move from Athletic Bilbao, has 12 months remaining on his current deal with the option of a 12-month extension.

But Jose Mourinho sees Herrera - who has been targeted by Spanish giants Barcelona as a possible long-term successor to Andres Iniesta - as a key part of his plans.

And United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward met with Herrera's agent Arturo Canales in Washington during the club's pre-season tour of America to discuss new terms in a bid to secure the 27-year-old’s long-term future at the club.

Herrera has indicated he is keen to remain at Old Trafford after emerging as one of the most influential players in Mourinho's side last season when he was tipped as a possible future captain of the club.

Mourinho will take his squad to Oslo for a game against Valerenga tomorrow before facing Sampdoria in Dublin three days later in their final warm up match ahead of the European Super Cup final against Real Madrid in Macedonia on August 8.