Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera has insisted that he does not want to depart the Basque outfit this season.

The 24-year-old came close to joining Manchester United in the summer, but a move broke down at the final moment due to issues surrounding the Spaniard's release clause.

Herrera's form this season has led to suggestions that United could come calling once more, but the player has claimed that he has no intention to leave.

"I have already made it clear, I don't want to leave Athletic. We have a great team and we have worked really hard to get where we are," Inside Spanish Football quotes Herrera as saying.

"We have proven our level even without Fernando [Llorente] and Javi [Martinez]. Above all else, Athletic and I are on the same path. This is where I belong, my place is here and I am very happy."

Bilbao have secured a top-four finish in La Liga this season.