Manchester United are set to sign £30m-rated Ander Herrera from La Liga club Athletic Bilbao.
The Premier League club failed to buy the Spanish midfielder, 24, on transfer deadline day last summer.
But new United boss Louis van Gaal has revived the deal, which is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours.
Herrera, part of Spain's Olympic squad at London 2012, would become Van Gaal's first signing since the Dutchman replaced David Moyes as boss in June.
Until the arrival of Marouane Fellaini from Everton last summer, United had not signed a central midfield player for six years.
However, with the Belgian failing to score a single goal last season and Ryan Giggs deciding to retire to become Van Gaal's assistant, United appear keen to strengthen.
United encountered problems trying to sign Herrera almost a year ago, namely when three imposters turned up at La Liga headquarters in an attempt push through the transfer without the knowledge of either club.
In the end, Herrera remained at Bilbao.
United are set to pay about £30m for Herrera, whose transfer fee was due to rise on 30 June under the terms of his contract.