Atletico Madrid eyeing move for Manchester United midfielder

Atletico Madrid have reportedly identified Manchester United's Ander Herrera as a potential target to bolster their midfield ranks. The Basque player is being eyed as a suitable replacement for skipper Gabi.

The Spain international played a crucial role in United's EFL Cup and Europa League success last term, but he has managed just five top-flight starts this season.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Atletico are looking at the possibility of signing the central midfielder, who is approaching the final six months of his contract.

The Capital outfit will be free to discuss with Herrera in the New Year, but United could yet keep the midfielder, by activating the one-year extension clause in his deal.

Herrera started the campaign as a regular on the substitutes' bench but injuries to Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini have assured him of a regular starting spot in recent months.

The pair are likely to return to first-team action following the international break, and this could restrict the Spaniard once more to gametime in the Cup competitions.