Liverpool are keeping tabs on Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, who is seen as a possible successor to ageing Reds' talisman Steven Gerrard.

The 24-year-old has yet to receive a senior's cap from Spain, but has proved to be instrumental in the Los Leones' La Liga campaign since moving in from Real Zaragosa in 2011.

He helped the Basque outfit reach the Europa League finals in his first year, which faced and unfortunately lost 3-0 to the Falcao-led Atletico Madrid side.

Currently, he is the creative force in the middle of the park for Athletic, racking up 5 assists in 24 starts in the Spanish top-flight with an 81 per cent passing success rate, whilst also contributing 2 goals.

Herrera has attracted the attention of big clubs like Manchester United, among others, because of his achievements, but Liverpool are suggested to be the most interested and likely to sign the talented playmaker.

The former under-23 talent is under contract with his club untile 2016 and given his form, the Merseysiders might have to meet his release clause that is reported to be in the region of £31million.

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