Ander Herrera: Manchester United to complete signing of Athletic Bilbao midfielder for £29m

Multiple reports in Spain say United have met Herrera's €36m release clause

Ander Herrera is close to joining Manchester United, according to multiple reports in Spain (Getty Images)

Manchester United have agreed to meet Ander Herrera's release clause and are close to signing the midfielder, according to multiple reports in Spain.

Radio station Cadena SER say Old Trafford bosses are keen to tie up a deal for the 24-year-old midfielder before June 30 as his buy-out clause rises from €36m (£28.7m) to €40m (£31.9m).

Marca claims Herrera is already in England and has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford worth around £2.4m-per-year, while Radio Bilbao and El Larguero say the deal will be announced today.

United were close to signing Herrera last summer but could not get a deal done on transfer deadline day.

Herrera can play in centre midfield or behind the striker and weighed in with five goals and five assists as Athletic qualified for the Champions League, finishing fourth.

He has 15 caps for Spain's Under-21s and five more for the Under-23s, but has not yet made an appearance in Vicente del Bosque's first team.

Herrera has been linked with Barcelona and Chelsea this summer.

As well as being a creative force and good from set-pieces, Herrera is strong in the tackle and not afraid of doing the dirty work.