Ander Herrera Worth High Price Tag for Manchester United

Manchester United have made a €30 million bid for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, according to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE and Tre Atkinson of Inside Spanish Football.

This would be a wise move by United.

The 24-year-old has already developed quite a reputation. He first began turning heads as part of the 2011 Spanish under-21 Championship-winning team alongside Thiago Alcantara. Since then, he has been a valuable member of Bilbao, drawing comparisons to Steven Gerrard due to his style of play and versatility.

In his last two seasons with Bilbao, Herrera has registered two goals and nine assists in La Liga play. Two seasons ago, he notched an assist in Bilbao's 3-2 victory over United at Old Trafford in Europa League play. He's known for his strong defense, level of focus and passing and dribbling ability.

According to Cadena COPE, via Atkinson, Bilbao won't part with Herrera unless his €36 million release clause is met. Considering that's a minor step up from the €30 million United are reportedly willing to pay, there's a legitimate chance that the reigning Premier League champions will acquire the talented young player.

Some may say Herrera is not worth upward of €30 million—and this is probably true—but at this point it doesn't really matter. United have a surplus of cash to throw out there as the transfer window closes. Why not use it to improve the club?

Herrera won't single-handedly solve United's problems in the middle of the pitch, but he will most certainly help. Ask Bilbao fans what he has meant to the club the past couple of seasons. 

Moreover, Herrera is still rather young. He has room to grow, and a club with the history of United have the means to help him do so. He has the talent to eventually excel in the EPL. The more time he sees on the pitch in the Premier League, the more he will likely improve. 

It's easy to scoff at the exorbitant amount United are reportedly offering for Herrera. That is, until you realize this is United we're talking about. A mere €30 million is chump change for a club of United's stature and wealth.