Ander Herrera, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder, was a transfer target for Manchester United last year. Matthew Lewis / PA Wire
Ander Herrera, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder, was a transfer target for Manchester United last year. Matthew Lewis / PA Wire
Ander Herrera, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder, was a transfer target for Manchester United last year. Matthew Lewis / PA Wire
Ander Herrera, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder, was a transfer target for Manchester United last year. Matthew Lewis / PA Wire

Manchester United close to Ander Herrera deal


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Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera looks set to join Manchester United as the club’s first signing under new coach Louis van Gaal, the Press Association reported on Tuesday.

Press reports have said that United could pay out £30million (Dh187.23m) for the 24-year-old Spaniard, who they tried to recruit last summer, before his fee rises at the end of this month due to the terms of his contract.

It was understood the deal could be wrapped up in the next few days, PA said.

Herrera would become the first new signing United have made since they confirmed Dutchman Van Gaal – currently in charge of the Dutch national team at the World Cup – as the successor to sacked manager David Moyes in May.

Meanwhile, Dynamo Moscow have strengthened their squad ahead of the new Russian season by confirming the signing of 25-year-old Dutch left-back Alexander Buttner from United.

Dynamo’s media office said a few technical details needed to be resolved before the contract could be finalised, without releasing any further information on the transfer.

Buttner has already joined up with his new team and will travel to their training camp in Austria later on Tuesday.

“I want to play in the Champions League and win trophies,” Buttner said on Dynamo’s official website. “Dynamo are building a very strong team and I am sure that we will be good enough to try and win the league title this season.

“This is my first time in Moscow and I will need time to adjust with my family. They flew out with me, so it would be easier to adapt.

“The training ground also has fantastic facilities. I am happy that I joined Dynamo.”

Buttner came through the youth system at Ajax Amsterdam and played for Vitesse Arnhem from 2008-12 before signing a five-year contract at United.

The Dutchman was unable to nail down a regular a first team spot during his two seasons in England, however, playing only 13 Premier League games during his stay at United.

Dynamo Moscow finished in fourth place last season and qualified for the Europa League.

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