Barcelona may be confident of landing Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, this summer, but that hasn't stopped new manager Ernesto Valverde making contingency plans in case a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain man fails to materialise.
The French club are currently refusing to entertain the idea that they might allow the 24-year-old to leave the Parc des Princes, this summer, yet their insistence hasn't deterred the Camp Nou club, who have made the Italy international their top target ahead of the new season.
Verratti has been identified as the man to eventually replace Andres Iniesta at the Camp Nou. Image: PA
Advert
However, with Valverde not wanting to waste an entire pre-season pursuing a player who Barca may ultimately fail to sign, the former Athletic Club manager has identified one of his former players from his time at Bilbao, in the form of Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera.
Herrera spent a season under Valverde at San Mames and SPORT in Spain are now reporting that Valverde will look to reunite with the Europa League winner should the pursuit of Verratti hit a brick wall.
SPORT have dedicated their front page to the Herrera news. Image: PA
Advert
The 27-year-old has become one of United's key players, thriving under Jose Mourinho last season, as United lifted the aforementioned Europa League and the EFL Cup.
A £30 million arrival in 2014, Herrera could be available for £35.2 million, although that fee seems far too low for a player who has become so important to United over the past three years.
Herrera enjoyed his best season at Old Trafford, last term. Images: PA
Advert
Herrera's current deal at Old Trafford expires next summer, but can be extended by a further year should the club so wish.
Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez is also a back up option for Barca, although the Algerian is now believed to prefer a switch to Arsenal, rather than waiting to see if the Blaugrana's other plans fall through.
(H/T Metro)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, Barcelona, marco verratti, PSG, Ander Herrera