Manchester United Transfer News: Ander Herrera Would Be Perfect Fit in Midfield

With the summer transfer window winding down, Manchester United appear set to land talented Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera after making a £30.5 million bid to trigger the release clause in his current contract, according to The Mirror's Ben Curtis.

According to Richard Tanner of the Express, United's £25 million offer for the Spaniard was rejected by Bilbao earlier in the week, but the latest bid will leave the decision up to Herrera himself.

If a deal is reached between Herrera and the defending Premier League champions, David Moyes and the Red Devils would be acquiring a player who would fit perfectly with what they are trying to do in midfield.

The 24-year-old has developed into a well-rounded midfielder in two seasons at the San Mames, catching the eye of first-year United boss Moyes and his staff.

United supporters are well aware of what Herrera can do after watching him make play after play against the English powerhouse two seasons ago in Europa League. Bilbao knocked off United in the third round in 2011-12, outscoring the Red Devils 5-3 on aggregate and winning both matches home and away.

Although he didn't score, Herrera did assist on one of the goals and pick apart the United defense on more than one occasion. 

Herrera has even drawn comparisons to another United midfield target, Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas. 

Though he isn't as productive a goal scorer as Fabregas—scoring just six goals in just over 90 total appearances—his overall technical ability and versatility make him a worthy comparison and a big-time addition to any squad, especially one that already boasts elite goal scorers in Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

Herrera is also a strong passer who will help United maintain possession and generate better scoring opportunities.

His price tag is certainly a bit steep for a player without much of a reputation, but with time running out in the transfer window, he's a young upgrade in midfield that has already proven himself in a major European league.

Herrera could help relieve some of the pressure on Michael Carrick and thrive in scenarios where he links up with other dynamic attacking players like Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck.

While Herrera's name doesn't carry a ton of weight at the moment, he has the prior experience and all of the necessary tools to flourish at Old Trafford.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.