ANDER HERRERA has turned down a reunion with new Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde by committing his future to Manchester United.
The Spanish midfielder played under the expected new Nou Camp chief at Athletico Bilbao.
And Valverde had identified the 27-year-old as one of the first names on his summer transfer target list, according to Sport.
United had no interest in selling the star, despite him only having a year left on his contract.
But now it is understood Herrera has no desire to leave Old Trafford just yet and wants to extend his deal with the Red Devils, according to the Telegraph.
He has proved to be a key man for Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s first year in charge after suffering a frustrating time under previous boss Louis van Gaal.
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Herrera was voted the club’s player of the season and he won his first cap for Spain against England at Wembley last November.
Even though his contract expires next summer, he does have the option of a further 12 months, but the club are expected to offer him a much longer-term one.
Herrera’s final season at Bilbao was played under Valverde before his £28.8million switch to the Premier League.
But despite his fondness and admiration for his compatriot, he has made it clear he has no intention of joining him at Barcelona.
Herrera has said previously: “I’ve had some wonderful managers.
“Marcelino, who gave me my debut; Gay, Aguirre, Bielsa, Valverde, who made the biggest impression on me due to the way he was in the dressing room and because he’s a fantastic guy.
“Not just in terms of football, but for his way of being, the way he was in the dressing room, working with those that did and didn’t play. He is a crack.”
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