Ander Herrera is upbeat over the chances of agreeing new terms with Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News says the 29-year-old is approaching the last five months of his existing deal and is free to negotiate a pre-contract arrangement with overseas clubs this month, but sources close to Herrera say they think the midfielder will remain at United beyond the summer.

United began negotiations with Herrera, Juan Mata and Ashley Young in November.

Athletic's recently-appointed sporting director, Rafael Alkorta, told Spanish radio the La Liga outfit were interested in re-signing Herrera along with ex-Athletic striker Fernando Llorente from Tottenham. Athletic are 13th in La Liga but just three points off the relegation zone.

Herrera is settled in Cheshire with his partner, Isabel, and two-year-old daughter Daniela and United caretaker coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has started Herrera in five of his seven matches.