Ander Herrera, Manchester United Reportedly Discuss New Contract Amid Barca Talk

Manchester United have reportedly opened contract talks with midfielder Ander Herrera as the Red Devils look to ward off interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. 

According to David McDonnell in the Mirror, United are ready to reward Herrera for an excellent 2016-17 season by handing him a new deal to 2021 worth £150,000 per week—a big increase from his £100,000-a-week current contract, which runs to 2018. 

The 27-year-old Spain international became a key figure at United last term under manager Jose Mourinho.

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Herrera made 31 Premier League appearances and started nine of the Red Devils' 15 games as they won the UEFA Europa League, per WhoScored.com.

He produced a starring performance in a 2-0 win for United over eventual Premier League champions Chelsea back in April at Old Trafford.

On that occasion he man-marked Eden Hazard out of the game while assisting United's first and scoring the second.

It was a performance that proved just how valuable Herrera can be both in attack and defence, and it is clear United are not prepared to risk any other side swooping in and snapping him up.