New Barcelona boss targets Manchester United midfielder

Earlier this week, Ernesto Valverde was announced as the man who would take over as Barcelona manager following the departure of Luis Enrique. The incoming manager already has plans for the summer transfer window, and a Manchester United midfielder sits top of his shortlist. 

Spanish news outlet Sport reports today that Valverde will attempt to sign Ander Herrera during the next transfer window. The incoming Barcelona boss has experience of working with the midfielder from their time together at Athletic Bilbao. 

The Spanish international, who was Man of the Match in Wednesday's Europa League final, is highly rated at Old Trafford, and Jose Mourinho will not be impressed with speculation about his future. Herrera's current contract expires in 2018. but there is said to be the option of an additional year. 

Manchester United are expected to make multiple signings this summer, but Mourinho knows that he must maintain the club's best players to provide a solid foundation for the new additions. With Barcelona showing interest, Metro reports that the United manager is putting Herrera's contract talks at the top of his priorities. 

Barcelona have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti, although the Italian international, who has four years remaining on his current contract, would cost considerably more.