Ander Herrera to ignore Barcelona interest this Summer

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera will reportedly snub a reunion with Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona in order to stay put at Old Trafford next season.

The 27-year-old joined the Red Devils from Athletic Bilbao back in the summer of 2015, and had spent his initial years trying to find his best position. Under Jose Mourinho, Herrera was deployed in a deep lying central midfield role last season, and this managed to get the best of his abilities.

Herrera’s showing was also recognised by Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui, who offered him his maiden cap in November last year. The Basque player currently has just a year left on his previous Old Trafford deal, and this has led to suggestions that he could return to Spain with Barcelona, who are now under the management of Valverde.

However, The Mail claims that the Spain international is committed to the cause at Manchester United where Jose Mourinho is building up a team which could potentially compete for League and Champions League honours next season. Barcelona are currently looking to add a new central midfield to their ranks with Andres Iniesta reaching the latter stages of his career. Herrera would have been the perfect cost cut option to occupy the heart of the midfield, but he looks determined to extend his stay with the Old Trafford outfit.

As a result, Barcelona are likely to shift their attention towards Marca Verratti, who is currently in the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain. The Italy international has already placed a transfer request on the table, but Barcelona would nevertheless have to cough up fees in excess of £80m to sign the highly-rated midfielder. Verratti was targeted by the French media for his indifferent showing at the start of last season, and this did not go well with the player as well as his representative.