Manchester United target Ander Herrera pays his own £29million release clause, confirm Athletic Bilbao

The 24-year-old midfielder is now free to join Louis van Gaal's boys after buying out his contract with the La Liga club

Ander Herrera is now free to join Manchester United after paying his own £29million release clause to leave Athletic Bilbao.

The 24-year-old midfielder seemed destined for Old Trafford after the Red Devils met Herrera's release clause .

But Bilbao rejected the offer and claimed the midfielder would need to buy himself out of his contract - for fear of a fan revolt for selling a prized home-grown assest.

Athletic have now confirmed that Herrera has paid the £29m needed to release himself from his deal with the La Liga club  - effectively making himself a free transfer.

It is expected he will move to Old Trafford and be announced a Manchester United player.

A statement on Athletic's website read:

"The Football League has certified Athletic Club that player Ander Herrera Agüera has fulfilled the requirements of the applicable regulations valid for unilateral termination of the employment contract that bound him to our Club, by depositing today the amount of compensation established in the contract. 

"The Athletic Club thanks Ander Herrera for his dedication during the three seasons he has enjoyed the club and wishes him the best in his future sports projects."