Manchester United are reportedly yet to decide on a contract extension for midfielder Ander Herrera despite the Spaniard being prepared to be an utility player within the club’s ranks. The Spain international presently has just 10 months remaining on his United contract but the club are yet to open a dialogue regarding a fresh deal.
According to Evening Standard, the 28-year-old is more than content to remain with the Old Trafford outfit whom he joined from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2014. It is added that the Spaniard is prepared to slot into different positions when called upon by Jose Mourinho including central defence where he featured in the recent Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite this, United are yet to consider the option of extending Herrera’s stay beyond next summer and this is said to have come about with their recent spending on Fred, which has been accompanied by Marouane Fellaini’s contract renewal and the loan return of Andreas Pereira.
As such, there are suggestions that Mourinho may not influence the club’s hierarchy to extend the Spaniard’s contract with the vast options in the centre of the park and this could potentially witness the midfielder’s departure in the New Year.
Herrera is free to speak to overseas clubs when the transfer window reopens in January but United could be tempted to sanction his sale, should he refuse change their contract stance with regards to the Basque midfielder.
At present, Herrera has not been linked with any of the elite sides but he could possibly be offered a route back to Athletic Bilbao, who are aiming to lure him with a club-record salary with the addition to handing him the captain’s armband.
Herrera, who was named United’s Player of the Year for the 2016/17 season, has made over 160 appearances for United since making the switch from the Spanish La Liga. He had his contract extended earlier in January by virtue of a one-year option available on his existing deal.
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