Edwards alerted as Liverpool look to gazump Man Utd for bargain Atletico star
Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards is reported to be planning an approach to beat Manchester United to the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
The dynamic midfielder recently secured LaLiga title success with his boyhood club. However, after failing to claim a place in the Spain squad this summer, he’s understood to be seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere. As such, a report last week claimed United had ‘knocked on the door’ regarding a proposed deal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his midfield options this summer. With Nemanja Matic poised to move on, they are looking for a new top level midfield all-rounder to further compliment Bruno Fernandes. Indeed, it’s claimed the Portuguese wants that area strengthened as a matter of urgency.
While Declan Rice has been linked, Saul would be a far cheaper option. Indeed, with just a year left on his deal, Atletico are willing to negotiate from a starting point of £43m (€50m).
It’s also claimed that Saul would prefer a move to Old Trafford ahead of rival interest from Juventus and PSG.
However, according to Empire of the Kop, via Caught Offside, Liverpool have also been alerted by Atletico’s willingness to sell Saul.
They claim the Reds are strongly considering an approach for the classy midfielder and could look to gazump any bid from United.
Saul is a player well known to Reds sporting director Michael Edwards. As such, he could look to work some more transfer magic and bring the midfielder to Anfield.
The Reds are in the market for a new central midfielder with Georginio Wijnaldum departing Anfield. He’s poised to sign for Barcelona though that deal is yet to officially go through.
The Reds have already secured Ibrahima Konate this summer. And there’s no doubting Saul would prove another top-quality addition should they decide to pursue a move.
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Saul ‘flattered’ by United interest
Liverpool though may need to convince Saul first. Having been tracked by United for a number of years, they appear to be in the driving seat. And the midfielder has already admitted to liking reports of their interest.
“I am very flattered that a club like Manchester United, or other teams that ask about me. It’s nice they take me into consideration. For me it is very positive,” he said.
“And important people from those clubs [such as Rio Ferdinand] speaking well of me means that I am doing things well at Atletico Madrid.”
United are tipped to add another centre-back, a central midfielder and a right-back to their squad this summer.
Pau Torres and Raphael Varane remain their main defensive targets. Indeed, John Murtough is said to have cleared United to sign the former after he passed his ‘final audition’ to impress.
Winger targets include Jadon Sancho, while a stunning return for Cristiano Ronaldo has also been mooted.
READ MORE: Liverpool told explosive summer signing can replace Klopp favourite
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