Manchester United Transfer News: Why the Red Devils Need Ander Herrera

According to numerous media reports, including the Daily Telegraph, Manchester United have made a move for Athletic Bilbao midfielder and Spain U23 international Ander Herrera.

Herrera, 24, has been an important figure at the San Mames since arriving from Real Zaragoza in 2011 and would offer a number of options to United manager David Moyes should he move—no doubt a reason behind the interest.

Indeed, there are many comparisons that can be made between Herrera and a previous Red Devils target this summer, Cesc Fabregas.

Both are technically excellent and can operate in a deeper, box-to-box role or as an attacking midfielder. Fabregas has a considerably better goal-scoring record than Herrera, but it is an area of his game the Basque player will be looking to improve.

Herrera is, of course, a player United know well, having played an important role for Bilbao in their success over the English side during the 2011/12 Europa League season.

New manager Moyes may not have been at the club, but there will be plenty on the staff at Old Trafford who will remember his impact.

With Daniele de Rossi and Marouane Fellaini mentioned in the same reports as possible targets, it is clear that Moyes is looking to bring in two midfielders ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

Either Fellaini or De Rossi would be well suited to playing alongside Michael Carrick in a midfield pivot, which would allow Herrera to play just ahead and push forward to support the attack.

Should he be the only signing, however, he could easily join Carrick in the pivot—still offering an improvement on the current preferred option of Tom Cleverley.

Should players come in, though, it is difficult to see how Moyes will be able to keep everyone happy this season without some last-minute exits from the club.

Herrera would definitely be the progressive option, with his short, sharp passing style well suited to possession-based football. In that respect, he would link well with the likes of Shinji Kagawa, Cleverley and Danny Welbeck who have a similar stylistic preference.

His presence would also take responsibility off the shoulders of Carrick. While he is not particularly suited to the holding role that the Englishman occupies, his range of passing would give United an alternative—hopefully drawing opposition attention away from his teammate.

Moyes and his backroom team will be keen to make sure that reinforcements are signed ahead of the window slamming shut. If Herrera is available, now is the time to fully commit to bringing in the Bilbao star.

Herrera may not carry the reputation of Fabregas or Thiago Alcantara, who was linked at the beginning of the summer. He is, though, add to the United midfield and help the new management  change the club's playing style.

At more than £30 million, he would be a very expensive capture. But at this point in the window it may be worth overpaying if a player fulfils a club's requirements.

The question is whether Herrera is the right player? Looking at the options still available this summer, he may well be.