London, Nov 21: Manchester United do not have to fear of losing Ander Herrera on a free transfer next summer as according to reports, the Red Devils have already triggered a one-year extension clause in the contract to tie him down to United till 2019.
The Spanish midfielder's contract was due to lapse next summer and in Bosman transfer, he would have been allowed to talk with different clubs in January about a free move in the Summer.
The Spaniard was recently linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, while his demotion to the bench also interested Atletico Madrid.
United were already trying to give the midfielder a new contract and discussions between the club and player have been held numerous times. But now to fend off interest from all the other clubs, they have decided to trigger the one-year extension and will now use the additional year to continue negotiating with Herrera in the hope he will agree a new, longer contract.
Herrera joined United in the Summer of 2014 under Louis Van Gaal and then signed a four-year contract after the red Devils triggered the Bilbao midfielder's €36million buyout clause.
The former Real Zaragoza midfielder was United's Player of the Season last term and reportedly doe not want to leave for Spain now. United's recent signing of Matic has demoted him to the United bench for the time being. However, the midfielder is reportedly happy with his role in the team and is happy to stay working with Jose Mourinho.
Apart from Herrera, United are also reportedly looking tie down Juan Mata, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Daley Blind with the same contract extension, however, midfielder Marouane Fellaini looks bound to leave on a free transfer as the Belgian is allegedly want a way out the club for more first-team football.