Manchester United Expected to Bid for Ander Herrera in January Transfer Window

Manchester United are thought to be lining up a January move for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, a player the Premier League champions failed to sign during the summer transfer window.

As reported by Jason Burt of The Telegraph, David Moyes remains interested in the 24-year-old midfielder, who continues to ply his trade in La Liga:

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A fresh bid is expected in the January transfer window for the Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera who United attempted to sign in August.

It is understood that the two clubs have continued a dialogue over the 24-year-old after they failed to agree a fee at the end of the last window.

Herrera, who speaks good English, is believed to be extremely keen to join United.

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Central midfield has long been a concern for the Red Devils. Although Moyes attempted to rectify one of Sir Alex Ferguson's failings with the summer transfer of Marouane Fellaini, the former Everton boss is yet to see a decent return from his Belgian acquisition.

Fellaini has played sloppy football since heading to Old Trafford and sums up a midfield that lacks rhythm. His clumsiness when making challenges saw him sent off during the Champions League tie away at Sociedad as United continue to struggle without the injured Michael Carrick.

United's initial bid for Herrera was ill-fated and testimony of an embarrassing start to Moyes' reign.

While it was originally reported that a trio of "imposters" scuppered the deal by trying to influence proceedings, Sid Lowe of The Guardian suggests United's "failure to understand the complexities of Spanish buy-out clauses" led to the transfer being called off.

Moyes has seen his side win just six of their opening 12 Premier League games. While United are amidst a 10-game unbeaten run across all competitions, as reported by WhoScored.com, three losses in the domestic division sees them seven points adrift of Arsenal at the top.

Herrera has made nine appearances for Bilbao this season.

The versatile midfielder possesses decent tackling skills and excellent vision, but is yet to influence his side with a goal or assist this campaign. He has completed 90 minutes on one occasion and has never played for Spain's senior international team.

Moyes is widely expected to dip into the market during January, but Herrera's arrival would represent a disappointment when marquee names such as Ilkay Gundogan are being thrown about, per David Kent of the Daily Mail.

With his side struggling to get into the Champions League places, Moyes certainly needs to make a huge statement with whoever he brings in during the upcoming window.   

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