Manchester United meet release clause for Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera?

Manchester United are believed to be poised to clinch their first major signing of the summer after reportedly paying the release clause in Ander Herrera's Athletic Bilbao contract.

The former Premier League champions were heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old last summer, but a transfer failed to materialise.

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that new manager Louis van Gaal is interested in the midfielder, who is said to have a release clause in the region of £32m.

Despite the player's agent claiming that Herrera will stay with the Spanish side, radio station Cadena Ser reports that a fee has been reached between both parties.

Other local radio stations have claimed that an announcement regarding the capture of Herrera could be made early this week.

The release clause is said to expire next Monday.