Man Utd 'identify Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez as top transfer target' should wantaway Paul Pogba seal exit – despite Bruno Fernandes links

Posted Saturday, July 06, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

Man Utd 'identify Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez as top transfer target' should wantaway Paul Pogba seal exit – despite Bruno Fernandes links
Saul Niguez has emerged as the No1 midfield target for Man Utd Credit: Getty

MANCHESTER UNITED have identified Spain star Saul Niguez as their new No1 transfer target should wantaway Paul Pogba finally seal his exit, according to reports.

The Red Devils are thought to be closing in on a move for Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes.

But reports in Spain now claim Solskjaer has turned his attention to Saul in the 11th hour.

However, United may struggled to land the Atletico Madrid midfielder, 24, as he is just two years into a nine-year deal signed in 2017.

That means Saul is under contract at the La Liga giants until 2026 and would therefore almost certainly cost a fortune to lure to Old Trafford.

Atleti have also recently lost Rodri, who joined Manchester City in a club-record £63million move earlier this week.

They are unlikely to want to lose another of their starting midfielders - but are currently at loggerheads with Saul over his contract.

POG OFF?

The player and his team are working towards a pay-rise, with Atleti apprehensive.

Saul has a £135m release clause in his contract - which United could be tempted to trigger, should they manage to sell Pogba.

On an off-season tour of Asia, the World Cup winner revealed he was looking for a new challenge - and Old Trafford chiefs are working towards a sale of around £150m.

Real Madrid are thought to have offered £90m, which was swiftly rejected by United, as they aim to recoup enough to splash on either Fernandes - also a target for fierce rivals Liverpool - or Saul.

And earlier this summer, Pogba had claimed: "Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well.

"For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great, some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.

"After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.

"I am thinking of this - to have a new challenge somewhere else."