Herrera Tells Spanish Journalist He Won’t Be Joining United

A Spanish radio journalist has claimed this morning that Ander Herrera confirmed to him that he would not be joining Manchester United this summer.

Tono Garcia of Cadena SER’s, El Carrusel Deportivo claims he spoke to Herrera prior to Athletic Bilbao’s game at Real Madrid in the team hotel and the 24 year old told him that he would be staying in Spain.

Whilst there is no audio of Herrera saying this, Garcia is certain of his claims and narrated the conversation he had with Herrera:

“I’m going to tell you what he told me this morning.  If he didn’t tell me, it’s because things were as clear as they are now.

“Manchester United’s initial position was firm, and offered Athletic €26 million.  This was the final offer, and they were clear that they would not pay the release clause because of the high economic costs.

“Still, there was fear [with Athletic] because Bayern did the same thing when they came for Javi Martinez, but when Martinez’ tax agent negotiated with the IRS, things got unblocked rather quickly.

“As of this afternoon [Saturday], no one with Manchester United or Ander Herrera has negotiated with the Treasury [to deposit the full release clause amount], and too much time has gone by to do so.  Therefore, [due to taxes] if Manchester United wanted Herrera they would need to play the €36 million release clause and an additional €8 million.”

The radio station’s claims have been reported by various people:

Ander Herrera afirma en los micrófonos de @carrusel que se queda en el #AthleticdeBilbao Otro que dice NO al #ManUnited #Fichajes

— Esteban Gómez (@MiRondo) August 31, 2013

As well as confirmed by Spanish football expert Sid Lowe:

That Spanish RT was Ander Herrera, according to Carrusel, Cadena Ser radio, saying he's staying at Athletic.

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) September 1, 2013