Reported Everton and West Ham target dropped from squad, admits he wants to leave

Follow us on Google Discover

Reported Everton and West Ham United target Iago Herrerin was left out of Athletic Bilbao’s squad for their pre-season defeat to Logrones at the weekend as his departure edges closer.

After 15 years at the Basque giants, the long-serving goalkeeper appears to have stood between the sticks for them for the last time.

Herrerin wants to play regular first-team football again after falling behind the exceptional Unai Simon in Athletic’s pecking order. And, at the age of 32, the veteran shot-stopper is fully aware time isn’t on his side.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of clubs willing to offer the Spaniard a fresh start, with Marca suggesting Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham are interested.

“The intention is for Iago to leave – we both agree,” Athletic coach Gaizka Garitano told El Desmarque last week, before leaving Herrerin out of his squad for the 3-1 loss to Logrones.

“He wants a new destination and that is why we hope something will soon be agreed for him to be able to leave Athletic.”

The man himself broke his silence recently to hint why he wants to cut ties with the club he joined as a budding youngster in 2005, when a 20-year-old Fernando Llorente was also rising through the ranks.

“I want to clarify one thing – (my desire to leave) is not because of not playing,” Herrerin said. “Logically, everyone wants to play, and so do I, (but my reason for leaving) is because of how I have been treated.”

It seems a long and happy relationship could be about to end in tears.

Marca added that Athletic may be willing to let Herrerin leave on a free, offering to cancel the final year of his contract.