Barcelona to bid for Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera as 'plan B' if they cannot prise Marco Verratti from PSG

• e-mail

Barcelona will look to Manchester United playmaker Ander Herrera as their 'plan B' should their advances for PSG's Marco Verratti prove fruitless this summer.

The Catalan giants have made diminutive midfielder Verratti their prime target, though PSG are reluctant to part with one of their star assets.

Barca are willing to play hard ball and test the resolve of the French side, particularly if Verratti himself expresses a willingness to leave, but, according to reports in Spain, will quickly divert their attention to Herrera if the objective is not achieved.

Barcelona will look to Ander Herrera as their 'plan B' in the transfer window this summer

The Catalans will target Herrera if they fail in their pursuit of PSG star Marco Veratti (above)

Spanish publication SPORT carried the Herrera report as the main headline on Thursday

Thursday's front page of Spanish publication SPORT carries the image of Herrera along with the bold headline, 'Plan B a Verratti.'

The report notes Herrera still having not put pen to paper on a fresh deal at Old Trafford, leading Barca to consider the option of bringing the 27-year-old former Bilbao star to the Nou Camp.

Barca are believed to be waiting to see whether Verratti will train with PSG this summer before launching an eye-watering £71m offer to test the resolve of the French side.

The belief is that Verratti will only seal his dream move to La Liga if he allows his tense relationship with PSG to reach the point of no return.

Barca are waiting to see whether Verratti refuses to train with PSG before making a £71m move

Herrera enjoyed a strong campaign under manager Jose Mourinho last season, becoming an instrumental part of the United side who went on to win the League Cup and Europa League.

Meanwhile the Catalan publication have also linked Barca with a move for Leicester's wantaway winger Riyad Mahrez.

The 2015-16 PFA Player of the Season has made it clear to the Foxes that he wishes to seek a new challenge, though the club's valuation of the Algerian has so far been a stumbling block.

SPORT report that Mahrez's potential move to Arsenal has stalled, giving Barca the option of swooping to bring the 26-year-old to La Liga.

The Catalan publication has also linked Barca will a move for Leicester's Riyad Mahrez