Barcelona Keen On Signing Manchester United Star In The Summer

It's set to be a summer of change at FC Barcelona.

With Luis Enrique stepping down after the Copa Del Rey final at the weekend, Barca are set to announce their new manager on 29 May.

It's pretty much common knowledge at this point that Erneste Valverde, who recently confirmed his departure from Athletic Bilbao, will be taking the reins at the Nou Camp.

Spanish outlet Sport say that Valverde has already spoke to Barca chiefs about transfer plans ahead of what is a huge rebuilding period for the Blaugrana.

A top-class central midfielder is a priority after this season's woes, and the talk is that Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is the top target for the Catalan club.

Image: PA

One of the club's most consistent performers under Jose Mourinho this season, Herrera's importance to United cannot be overstated - his Man of the Match performance in the 2-0 Europa League final win over Stockholm on Wednesday was the most recent example of the discipline and stability he brings to the United side.

He also played a starring role in the second goal, with cameras picking up on Herrera instructing Mkhitaryan to get in the box for the corner before he struck:

Credit: BT Sport

Herrera is seen as a cheaper option to the other midfield targets Barca have, and he played under incoming boss Valverde at Athletic Bilbao for a season before signing for United in 2014.

Image: PA

The 27-year old made a total of 50 appearances for United this season and one can understand that Mourinho and United are desperate to tie him down to a new and improved contract. Herrera has one year remaining on his deal at Old Trafford, though United do have the option of extending it.

Links to Barcelona may force United to move quickly when it comes to Herrera's contract situation, which United fans will no doubt he hoping is sorted out as soon as possible.

The Independent meanwhile have said United sources have "laughed off" the suggestion of Herrera leaving Old Trafford for the Camp Nou, and the consenus is that they will look to open contract talks imminently.

(h/t Metro)

Topics: FC Barcelona, Europa League, Manchester United, Ander Herrera

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_