Ander Herrera ‘offered Athletic Bilbao return’

Athletic Bilbao reportedly wanted to make Ander Herrera the club’s best paid player before Manchester United exercised their option to extend his contract.

Herrera joined United from the Basque club in 2014 when the Red Devils paid his £30million release clause.

His four-year contract was due to expire this summer before United opted to extend his deal for a further 12 months.

AS, via Sport Witness, claims Athletic Bilbao were keen to re-sign Herrera and make him their highest-paid player.

The club have a strict Basque-only policy, restricting the pool of players they can recruit from. With the 28-year-old a free agent next summer, it is feasible that the offer could remain on the table.