According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have conducted negotiations with the agent of Atletico Madrid superstar and may sign him in a move for up to £38 million this summer.
He has spent his whole career with Atletico after coming through their youth levels as a kid, and he has evolved into one of the finest midfielders in Spanish football since breaking into the main squad.
The 26-year-old has been a vital player under Diego Simeone in recent years, appearing 41 times in all competitions last season to help Atletico win La Liga, and he is also a regular in the Spanish team.
However, his future has been put into doubt this summer as Atletico Madrid needs to generate funds through player sales, and it looks that they are willing to cash in on the midfielder following the signing of Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese.
The issue has alarmed Premier League teams, as the Mirror recently claimed that Niguez’s agents were scheduled to meet with Manchester United and Liverpool this week to explore a possible move to England.
According to the publication, Niguez is eager to test himself in the Premier League, and his agency is likely to receive bids from United and Liverpool during Monday’s negotiations.
Fabrizio Romano, a famous journalist, has now revealed to The United Stand that Manchester United are among the teams that have conducted conversations with Niguez’s agency regarding a possible move this summer.
According to Romano, United regard signing Niguez as a great opportunity, and the Guardian writer believes a deal could be struck with Atletico for between £34m [€40m] and £38m [€45m].
He’s quoted:
“Manchester United are among the clubs that have been in contact with Saul Niguez’s agent,”
“They have an interest in the player and consider him ‘one of the biggest opportunities on the market’.
“€40-45m will get a deal done, no bid yet.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the manager of Manchester United, has already signed Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane [subject to medical] this summer, but he is also thought to be looking for a new central midfielder.
The rumor with Niguez comes amid ongoing concerns about Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United, as the Frenchman has just one year remaining on his deal and is no closer to signing an extension.
If Pogba does not sign a new contract and Manchester United is forced to sell, Niguez may be considered as a potential replacement, but it appears that they will have stiff competition for his signing, with Liverpool and Barcelona also connected.