Manchester United move to tie Ander Herrera down on new long-term deal

Manchester United held talks with Ander Herrera's representatives in the US as they move closer to tying the Spain midfielder to a new long-term deal that would end any lingering hopes Barcelona have of prising him away from Old Trafford.

Arturo Canales, Herrera's agent, was in America during the final week of United's 18-day tour of the country and met with the club's hierarchy to discuss the terms of an extension to the player's existing contract.

Herrera, 27, has 12 months left to run on the deal he signed in June 2014 following his £28.8 million move from Athletic Bilbao, albeit with the option of a further year.

Ernesto Valverde, the new Barcelona coach, is a keen admirer of Herrera and the Catalan giants have been linked with a move for the Spaniard. But Herrera sees his long-term future at Old Trafford and his eagerness to extend his contract is shared by United, for whom he has become an influential and highly popular member of manager Jose Mourinho's squad.

Herrera endured a difficult second season at United under Louis Van Gaal and struggled for form and confidence. But he was revitalised by Mourinho last term, becoming the manager's first choice midfielder alongside Paul Pogba and playing a central role in the club winning the League Cup and Europa League.