According to the Mirror, Ander Herrera has handed Manchester United rivals a boost after he handed in a transfer request. The Spanish international is in the final six months of his contracts though United are working effortlessly to tie him down to a new contract. Herrera has been a fan favorite since he joined from Athletic Bilbao in 2014.

He has been one of the best players for the Red Devils this season especially under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. According to reports from Spain yesterday, French club Paris Saint Germain are said to be closing in on a move for the Spain international.

United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal  are also said to be monitoring his situation at Old Trafford. They have now been given a huge boost after it was reported the Spaniard has handed in a transfer request and will rundown the final three months of his contract at Old Trafford.

Herrera has recently spoken on his future and is relaxed about the situation. He told media in Spain: “I focus on playing football in the month and a half that remains, the rest I leave to my agent, both the possible renewal with United and if he talks to another club for my departure.”

Herrera’s former club are keeping tabs on a number of former players however, including he, Spurs striker Fernando Llorente and Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez.

Athletic president Aitor Elezegi told AS that the door is open for the trio – but requests that all must show a willingness to return to San Mames.

“Any of those three could play in the team,” declared Elezegi “Athletic has the ability to go through with these type of transfers. “I hope Javi, Herrera or Llorente would like to make the effort, which would be a generous one.”

Martinez, 30, has been linked with a £17million return to his homeland, after a season where he hasn’t always been a first-team regular under Bayern boss Niko Kovac.

Tottenham striker Llorente hinted back in January that he would like to end his career with his former side, declaring: “It would be nice to retire at Athletic.”

Herrera, Martinez and Llorente were all key players in Athletic’s 2012 run to the Europa League final under Marcelo Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are closely following Marcus Rashford’s contract situation but are realistic about their chances of landing the Manchester United forward, sources have told ESPN FC.

Rashford, 21, has been on Barca’s radar for a long time. His deal at Old Trafford expires in 2020 and the Catalan club are waiting to see if he ends up committing to an extension.