Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Hector Herrera, Michael Carrick Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly "keen" on a move to sign FC Porto's Hector Herrera next year as he looks to reinforce his new-look midfield, while Michael Carrick has hinted that he's eyeing the Old Trafford exit.

Portuguese newspapers A Bola and Record each cited a report from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness) that said the Red Devils are monitoring Herrera's situation ahead of a transfer move.

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Herrera has hit a slump in form this season and lost the captain's armband for Porto after three matches of the league term, but the 26-year-old has nevertheless remained a highly valued member of the Dragons' lineup.

Metro's Primeira Liga expert Jan Hagen recently commented on Herrera's move out of Porto's UEFA Champions League squad for their recent 1-0 defeat to Premier League champions Leicester City:

Sposito detailed that Herrera's contract includes a €40 million (£36.4 million) release clause. Porto plan to use that figure as a negotiation point if they're to cash in on their player next year.

United have been linked with the Mexico international in the past, and Yahoo's Kristan Heneage noted his surprise that the playmaker hasn't earned a bigger move in his career yet:

The Red Devils may soon have the space in their midfield for a new arrival, too, after Carrick hinted he's ready to step away from the pitch and into management in the near future.

The former England midfielder took to his official Instagram account during the international break, commenting that his "homework" was done with a hashtag reading "coaching ladder":

Jack Otway of the Daily Express agreed that Carrick's post could suggest he's ready to explore his options outside football, as his United contract is set to expire at the end of this season.

The presence of stars like Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard has provided ample competition in midfield, but Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes there's still room for Carrick at Old Trafford:

The 35-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, winning five Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League crown and last season's FA Cup during his decade-long stay.

Carrick signed a one-year contract extension with United in March to take his stay beyond the 10-season mark, but the stalwart may finally be approaching the end of his playing days as a coaching career beckons.