Herrera pays Bilbao buy-out clause

Ander Herrera appears set to complete a move to Manchester United after paying his buy-out clause at Athletic Bilbao.

Herrera set to join Manchester United

La Liga outfit Bilbao confirmed on Thursday that they had rejected a bid in the region of €36million for the highly-rated midfielder, who was a reported target for United 12 months ago.

However, it now seems certain that Herrera will switch to Old Trafford, after he paid the amount of compensation required to terminate his contract at San Mames.

A statement on Bilbao's official website read: "The Football League (LFP) has certified Athletic Club that player Ander Herrera Aguera has fulfilled the requirements of the applicable regulations valid for unilateral termination of the employment contract that bound him to our club, by depositing today the amount of compensation established in the contract.

"Athletic Club thanks Ander Herrera for his dedication during the three seasons he has enjoyed the club and wishes him the best in his future sports projects."

Following Bilbao's announcement, the official Twitter page of Herrera carried an image of the 24-year-old holding up a United shirt alongside club director Bobby Charlton, seemingly confirming his transfer.

Bilbao president Josu Urrutia conceded that Herrera's actions represented a blow to the Spanish side.

"Athletic should aim for players whose first choice is to defend the jersey for the club. In this regard, the decision of Ander Herrera is not aligned with that idea, which is a disappointment for the club," said Urrutia.

Herrera moved to Bilbao from Real Zaragoza in 2011, and was part of the team that were finalists in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Europa League in 2011-12.

In three years at San Mames, Herrera made 128 appearances and scored 11 goals.