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Athletic Club Bilbao’s recruitment policy means the club simply has to be interested in all quality players of Basque origin, and retain that interest over a long period of time.

Only able to recruit players who have a Basque background, the talent pool is very limited.

That’s why footballers like Ander Herrera and Nacho Monreal are repeatedly linked with moves to the La Liga club.

Earlier this year it was reported in Spain that Athletic were looking at the possibility of signing Herrera on a free transfer, after his contract with Manchester United was due to end.

The Spanish media took a while to understand Herrera had a clause which meant Manchester United could extend the deal by a further season, something which the Premier League club did.

Marca report that hasn’t made Athletic give up.

The club’s president Josu Urrutia ‘won’t deny’ a wish to sign the midfielder and it’s suggested movement could be made before the end of August.