Man Utd set to revive Saul Niguez transfer interest - and plan bumper contract

Manchester United have long admired Atletico Madrid playmaker Saul Niguez.

Posted Saturday, August 15, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Manchester United are primed to revive interest in Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez, reports say. The Spain international has long been admired by the Red Devils. And he could leave Atletico in the wake of their failure to win the Champions League, with Diego Simeone’s side eliminated by RB Leipzig on Thursday night.

Manchester United tried to sign Saul from Atletico Madrid a year ago, but having missed out on the Champions League, were forced to do without.

But the Daily Star claim the Red Devils are now primed to revive interest in the 25-year-old in the wake of Atletico’s failed European campaign.

Simeone’s side knocked out Liverpool in the round of 16 but were beaten by RB Leipzig in the quarter-finals on Thursday, with goals from Dani Olmo and Tyler Adams sending the Germans through.

Now, United are ready to capitalise on Atletico’s failure to reach the last four.

Saul is said to be concerned, believing the La Liga outfit may struggle to compete for the biggest prizes next term with Real Madrid and Barcelona still the two best teams in the Spanish top flight.

Man Utd are chasing Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez this transfer window

And United are prepared to pay Saul wages in the region of £150,000-a-week in order to entice him to Old Trafford this summer.

Should that happen, the midfielder would likely jostle with both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba for a place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI.

And that would spell trouble for several players already in the Norweigan’s squad, with the arrival of Saul likely to dimish the chances of regular game time.

Jesse Lingard’s future at Old Trafford is already up in the air, with the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Everton all linked with the 27-year-old.

And Andreas Pereira may be cut loose, too, with the Brazil international currently attracting interest from Valencia.

Meanwhile, speaking earlier in the year, United legend Rio Ferdinand had his say on whether or not Saul would suit his old club.

And he gave a glowing endorsement of the player, saying: "He’s another one, what a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now.

"I think he’s a major player.

"Composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware.

"You can see Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.

"Saul Niguez is huge and it’s come out in the papers this week that Man Utd are interested in him, but we’ll have to wait and see. Man Utd are linked to everyone."

United’s top target is Jadon Sancho.

But the Red Devils are currently struggling to sign the Borussia Dortmund forward - which may force them into swooping for an alternative.

Kingsley Coman, Douglas Costa and Ousmane Dembele are all being eyed as a Plan B, as well as Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati.