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.