Manchester United open talks with Ander Herrera over new £175,000-a-week mega-deal to ward off Barcelona

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly opened talks with Ander Herrera over a lucrative new contract.

The Daily Star claims Jose Mourinho is willing to pay the Spaniard a whopping £175,000-a-week to ward off interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Getty Images

Reuters

Herrera has proven to be a key man at Old Trafford in recent years and formed a water-tight partnership with world-record signing Paul Pogba last season.

But the United ace’s performances have apparently put some big teams on red alert after he was crowned their Player of the Year.

Barca and Atletico are both long-term admirers of Herrera, who made his international debut for Spain last November.

But Mourinho has no intention of letting the 27-year-old leave and will reward him with a fresh deal instead.

Herrera already earns £100,000-a-week at Old Trafford but is entering the final year of his current contract.

However, United plan on tying him down until 2021, the end of which would mark an eight-year stay.

Getty Images

Reuters

Meanwhile, the Red Devils continue to hunt another midfielder as they look for more depth in the middle of the park.

United have been linked with Monaco star Tiemoue Bakyoko, although he is now expected to join Chelsea in a £40million deal this week.

Blues anchorman Nemanja Matic was Mourinho’s first choice and remains on the Special One’s wishlist.

However, Antonio Conte is reluctant to do business with United after they hijacked Chelsea’s £75m deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

Getty Images

Reuters