Manchester City scout Ander Herrera

Manchester City have reportedly scouted Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera.

City's football administration officer Brian Marwood is believed to have been accompanied by the club's Spanish scout Rob Newman last Wednesday evening to watch the 22-year-old in action against Getafe.

The pair are said to have been impressed with Herrera's performance and sent a positive report back to manager Roberto Mancini, according to Goal.com.

Mancini is now expected to make a £16m offer for the former Spanish youth international, who only joined Bilbao from Real Zaragoza last summer.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the central midfielder.