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Manchester United target Herrera 'happy at Bilbao'

Herrera has not asked to leave Bilbao, according to manager Valverde © Getty Images

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Manchester United's bid to sign Ander Herrera has hit a snag after the midfielder's father insisted he is happy to stay at Athletic Bilbao, while his manager said he has not asked to leave.

David Moyes had a bid rejected for the Spain Under-23 international on Thursday as he looks to strengthen his squad before the transfer deadline.

And they could return with an improved offer for Herrera, who has a €36 million (£31m) release clause.

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But his father Pedro told Mundo Deportivo: "Ander is getting on very well at Athletic, very content. He's fought hard to come to this club and it's very difficult for him to leave.

"I think it's Manchester United's decision, since they have not found a replacement for Cesc Fabregas. They've decided to opt for a creative player and have thought about Ander."

And Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde said Herrera had given him no indication he wants to go and has no qualms about picking him to play against Real Madrid on Sunday.

He said at his pre-match press conference: "Ander has not refused to play at the Bernabeu, nor has he told that he wants to go to United.

"There has been quite a stir surrounding Ander. He is fine to play. I have no doubts. He is in the right frame of mind." Bilbao president Jose Urrutia stated on Friday that he did not want to let Herrera go.

He said: "There is an offer for Ander Herrera. We received it yesterday and we have informed that we will not negotiate for our players.

"Our club is different. We create an emotional bond. Our objective is not to make money. For that a player should leave he needs to state his intentions to leave the club and pay the buyout clause."

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