Man Utd sent Saul transfer message as truth emerges over Atletico asking price
Manchester United have been given further hope a deal for Saul Niguez can be secured this summer amid a claim the Atletico Madrid star had made a move to Old Trafford his No 1 preference.
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.
United have been again linked with Declan Rice to fill the void this summer. However, valued at £70m+, his prize could well be beyond what John Murtough is willing to pay.
Saul, however, could prove a cheaper, more obtainable option. Indeed, the Daily Mirror claims that while he has a buy-out of around £60m, Atletico are willing to negotiate from a starting point of £43m (€50m).
With just a year left on his contract, it’s reported the prospective deal could have lift-off for United. Furthermore, it’s claimed United have been informed that Atletico won’t stand in his way and would rather sell now than lose the 26-year-old on a free in 12 months time.
United aren’t the only suitors, however, for Saul. As per the article, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the running for his signature.
But it seems United are in the driving seat for his signature, with the Mirror claiming he’s made a move to Old Trafford his No 1 choice. Failing that, it’s said Juventus are his next choice ahead of PSG.
Saul is on a deal worth £115,000 a week with Atletico and could earn a significant raise on that at United. Indeed, it’s reported United could offer him close to a £200,000 a week package to lure him to England.
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
Saul ‘flattered’ by United interest
It’s not the first time Saul has been chased by United. In fact, their interest in him goes back a good number of years.
Speaking last summer he admitted how links to them were a boost to his confidence.
“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, 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: Report divulges Solskjaer, Murtough meetings as Man Utd make room for ‘mega-signing’
The post Man Utd sent Saul transfer message as truth emerges over Atletico asking price appeared first on TEAMtalk.