Midfielder clears up confusion over ‘mystery’ bid.
Check in to Espanyol vs Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted that though he was flattered by the interested Manchester United had shown in him, he insists he never actually agreed to join them, Sky Sports reports.
United had to make do with just Marouane Fellaini as their sole arrival on transfer deadline day as a move for the Bilbao playmaker broke down with several short hours to go.
According to reports at the time, three lawyers claiming to represent United had shown up at the Basque club’s training ground to pay the £31m release clause in his contract.
However, United have denied that these mystery men had anything to do with them, therefore no deal was reached before the 11pm deadline.
And Herrera sought to clear up the confusion surrounding the deal at a press conference on Wednesday morning, where he revealed that though talks were held, they failed to reach the stage of discussing personal terms.
“The only option, as the president said, was to pay my clause. I was never told United would pay the clause,” he said.
“At no time have either I or my agent reached an agreement with United.
“I’ve been silent because the important thing was (Sunday’s) game at Real Madrid. Today I’m here, with no problem, with the truth.
“I will continue to demonstrate my commitment to the club as I have since the first day I arrived. I speak for me. I do not speak of other cases. The club can confirm that my behaviour has been fantastic.
“I’m very flattered to see that one of the biggest clubs in the world, such as United, bid for me (but) I did not talk at any time with United. I’ve been very quiet.”