Ander Herrera’s move to Manchester United in the summer of 2014 sparked much excitement among fans. Since Paul Scholes’ retirement, the club had longed for a tough tackling central midfielder who had bags of creativity. The Spaniard was linked with United for years before his eventual move, which cost United around £29 million. However, the 25-year-old didn’t have the start to life at Old Trafford he may have hoped for.

The move for Herrera had been done before Louis van Gaal’s arrival, with the manager giving a final thumbs up and allowing the deal to go ahead. With the new season came a new United set-up, 3-5-2 / 4-4-2 / 4-1-2-1-2, however it was that LvG set-up the side, there didn’t seem to be a place for Herrera. His chances were limited in the side, much to the annoyance of fans.

In recent times, this has been all but forgotten. Ander Herrera has done his best to impress and has certainly done just that. Voted player of the month for April, the former Bilbao man has come on leaps and bounds. Now it seems that Barcelona are monitoring the player.

Although the club are currently under a transfer embargo until 2016, there are reports that the Catalan club will try to complete a deal. There is no reason to believe Herrera is unhappy at United, but if the chance to join Barcelona came about, a club in his home country, then surely the Spaniard would have to think long and hard very serious pressure.

As previously mentioned, the 25-year-old cost Manchester United £29 million and it is unclear whether Barcelona will offer a figure that could tempt United to part ways with the player. However, when it comes to replacing club legend Xavi, which is a short term goal for the club, then the price may not necessarily be all that important.

As far as United are concerned, Herrera now holds a vital place in the team. His departure may only be rumoured, but it is still a concern as the player gives so much to the Reds.