Man City closing on £68.5m Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez as long-term Fernandinho replacement
Manchester City could nip in and seal a deal for Saul Niguez as a replacement for Fernandinho
Posted Thursday, March 21, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk
Saul Niguez has emerged as a prime candidate to replace Fernandinho
MANCHESTER CITY are edging closer to a deal for Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez as a replacement for Fernandinho, according to reports.
City’s need to find a top-class replacement for Fernandinho has become a priority.
The Brazilian midfield enforcer – who has been out of action since the Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea last month – turns 34 in May.
Pep Guardiola has been actively looking for a player of Fernandinho’s calibre, but he has so far been thwarted in his attempts to sign anyone.
Aside from missing out on Jorginho and Fred, who joined Chelsea and Manchester United respectively last summer, Guardiola was pipped to Frankie de Jong’s signature by Barcelona in January.
According to ESPN, City could sign Saul, as it is reported that a fee of £68.5million could be enough to land him.
It is said that Saul had been open to a move to the Nou Camp, but he has been informed he is more likely to join City instead.
Saul’s versatility appeals to Barca, who have harboured hopes of signing the dynamic 24-year-old for the past few years.
Atletico’s elimination from the Champions League last week against Juventus has raised concerns there could be a mass exodus of players leaving the Wanda Metropolitano in the summer.
SAUL STAY
Chelsea star Alvaro Morata, who is on international duty with Saul, has already admitted he would prefer it if his compatriot stays put in the Spanish capital.
He said: “The market is always like that. In every window big-name players are linked to top clubs.
"Saul is one of the best players in his position and he is also young.
“There's no doubt that anyone would be interested in having him.
“We are lucky to have him. I hope he stays because he is an asset to Atletico and he is a great person. We need him to stay."
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