MANCHESTER UNITED have revived their interest in Athletic Bilbao star Ander Herrera, but face a race against time to get the deal done.

According to reports in Spain, new United manager Louis Van Gaal has instructed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to launch a £25m bid for the Spanish midfielder.

The offer from United is unusual due to the fact that Herrera’s current contract contains a £30m release clause, which will increase to £35m at the end of this month.

It is extremely unlikely that Bilbao will accept United’s first offer for Herrera, who has two years remaining on his current deal.

The unwillingness from United to activate Herrera’s release clause could see Van Gaal follow former manager David Moyes in missing out on the 24-year-old.

United and Moyes came close to signing Herrera last summer, but pulled out of the deal when Bilbao refused to lower his £30m release clause.

Bilbao want to keep hold of the former Spain U-21 international and will demand that United stump up Herrera’s full release clause.

And with his price set to rise to £35m at the end of June, United will face the challenge of attempting to agree a transfer with Bilbao and Herrera before the month is out.

According to Stardaily