English champions Manchester United have reportedly offered to play Athletic Bilbao in a friendly as part of the deal to sign their midfielder Ander Herrera.

The Red Devils failed with a bid for the former Spanish Under-21 international on Friday, which was believed to have ended their interest.

However, the 24-year-old was dropped to the bench for Bilbao yesterday afternoon for the trip to Real Madrid, which resulted in speculation that United had returned with a second proposal.

As part of that offer, United have told Bilbao that they are prepared to travel to northern Spain at some stage to take part in a friendly at their rebuilt San Mames Stadium, according to the Daily Mail.

Herrera joined Bilbao in 2011 from Real Zaragoza.