Barcelona’s incoming manager Ernesto Valverde has made the signing of Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera his top priority for the summer, according to reports in Spain.
Earlier this week, Valverde confirmed that he will step down as Athletic Bilbao boss and is now widely expected to succeed Luis Enrique at Camp Nou this summer.
Sport claim that the 53-year-old has already discussed transfer targets with Barcelona’s hierarchy and has told the club that he wants to sign Herrera.
The 27-year-old played under Valverde for one season at Athletic Bilbao before he joined United in the summer of 2014.
Barcelona could have reason to believe that a deal for Herrera is possible as the Spaniard’s contract with United will only have a year remaining this summer.
United do have the option to extend that for another season but United have not yet completed negotiations.
Sport claim that in the wake of Barca’s interest, Mourinho wants Herrera’s new contract to be treated as a priority.
Barca are looking to strengthen their midfielder this summer and Herrera would offer a cheaper alternative to Marco Verratti, as the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is contracted until 2021.
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