Athletic Bilbao are said to be working on a renewal for in-demand Spain international Mikel San Jose.
San Jose, who AS notes has emerged as Spain’s alternative pivot to Sergio Busquets, is contracted to 2018 but the Basques are preparing a new deal for the 26-year-old.
Manchester United are said to be keen on the ex-Liverpool man but he wants to remain at San Mames, and the club don’t want to cash in.
His current contract release clause is €35m and that would be raised with a fresh contract, and his wages would go up as well.
San Jose is understand to be content with life at Athletic, having won over the section of fans who used to criticise his selection.
It’s also suggested that Coach Ernesto Valverde could use San Jose to cover for the inured Aymeric Laporte in central defence after Laporte suffered a fractured ankle playing for France Under-21s.
