Athletic Bilbao drop Manchester United target Ander Herrera

Ander Herrera has only been included on the Athletic Bilbao bench for this morning's trip to Real Madrid in La Liga.

The midfielder, usually a starter for the Basque outfit, was the subject of a failed bid from English champions Manchester United on Friday.

Recent quotes attributed to the 24-year-old's father indicated that he would be "very content" to remain with Bilbao, but his absence from the starting lineup at the Santiago Bernabeu has resulted in increased speculation that a transfer to Old Trafford could be nearing a conclusion.

English clubs have until 11pm tomorrow evening to complete their transfer business.