Manchester United Sign Ander Herrera From Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United have completed the transfer of Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.

The Basque club have confirmed that the midfielder has paid his buyout clause to the Spanish football federation, a step required to complete the move.

A statement on the Athletic website reads: "The Football League has certified Athletic Club that player Ander Herrera Agüera has fulfilled the requirements of the applicable regulations valid for unilateral termination of the employment contract that bound him to our Club, by depositing today the amount of compensation established in the contract.

"The Athletic Club thanks Ander Herrera for his dedication during the three seasons he has enjoyed the club and wishes him the best in his future sports projects.

Athletic confirmed they had turned down United's offer of £29m for Herrera on Wednesday despite his release clause being met.

However, in the event of the club refusing to do business, regulations allow the buying party to pay the Spanish Football Federation the release clause via the player in order to push through the move.

Herrera, 24 becomes Louis van Gaal's first addition to the club since he was named David Moyes' successor in May.

United were poised to bring the Spanish midfielder to Old Trafford last summer until a deal broke down during the final days of transfer deadline day, amid concerns over his £31m release clause.

However, United's chief executive Ed Woodward has rectified one of last summer's mistakes to bring the talented midfielder to the club as part of van Gaal's shake-up of the United squad.

After the club recorded their worst-ever league finish in the Premier League era, van Gaal, who will join up with the club following Netherlands' World Cup campaign, is determined to make his mark on the club and has made the Spanish midfielder his first addition.

Herrera had been used as a central midfielder and in a more advanced role by Marcelo Bielsa and Ernesto Valverde since joining Athletic from Real Zaragoza in 2011. He is expected to be handed a key role in van Gaal's new set up and is likely to be joined by more new faces before the summer transfer window closes.

United are also thought to be close to striking a deal for Southampton full back Luke Shaw. The 18-year-old has reportedly informed the club of his wishes to join United this summer.