Manchester United target Ander Herrera not leaving Athletic Bilbao in January

Athletic Bilbao’s Ander Herrera (L)

Athletic Bilbao do not expect Manchester United target, Ander Herrera, to leave the club this month, according to Sky Sources.

Manchester United failed with a last-minute bid for the Spaniard in the summer transfer window and their interest was expected to kick up again this month.

However, despite any interest United may have, the Spanish club feel confident that Herrera will stay.

Spanish media claim United scout Robbie Cooke was present at Bilbao’s win over Almeria earlier this month, with Herrera believed to be the main point of interest.

Currently, Herrera has a buy-out clause of €36 million (£29.8 million) although this is due to increase slightly in the summer to €40 million (£33 million).

Bilbao, though, do not expect any movement this month and a source close to the club told Sky Sports: “We know people are looking, but the situation has not changed.

“Ander has us that he does not want to leave the club in this moment.”

Herrera himself was quoted by Basque paper Diario Vasco as saying: “I am happy in Bilbao, and I want to help the club improve this season.”