REPORT: Herrera’s Father Doesn’t Think His Son Will Join United

Ander Herrera’s father has spoken on Manchester United’s attempts to sign his son, claiming that his son is happy at Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao confirmed that they had rejected a bid from United in the region of £26m yesterday and whilst it was reported that United would return with an improved offer, Guillem Balague claimed that United were not willing to pay £31 for the 24 year old.

Having travelled with his club for tomorrow’s game with Real Madrid, it seems unlikely that Herrera will join United and his father Pedro backed this up claiming that it will be hard for his son to leave Bilbao in this transfer window.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the elder Herrera said:

“Ander is very happy at Athletic. 

“He fought hard to get to this club and it be very difficult for him to leave.

“With Manchester United opting for a creative player, having failed to sign Cesc Fabregas they thought of Ander but he is very happy at Athletic”.

Earlier today Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde claimed that the player hadn’t asked to speak to United and wasn’t worried about him leaving:

‘Ander has not refused to play at the Barnabeu, nor has he told that he wants to go to United.

There has been quite a stir surrounding Ander. He is fine to play. Whether he plays or not is another question. I have no doubts. 

‘Whether he plays is the decision of the manager – it is not only if a players feels ready. We have Mikel also, who is important for us.

‘To play in his situation is not normal. I’ve spoken to him and he’s within the right state of mind to play.

‘There is nothing to worry me. All I am concerned about is tomorrow’s game. The rest, I do not control.’