Atletico Madrid are prepared to lower Saul Niguez’s asking price to £85m, putting Manchester United and other English Premier League clubs on alert.
The Spanish midfielder has a buy-out clause of around £125m but his club will agree to let him go for less if he wants to leave the Wanda Metropolitano when the transfer window opens.
United have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to add competition in central midfield. Chelsea have also followed Niguez’s progress since he established himself in Atletico’s first team.
Atletico tied Niguez to a nine-year contract when he helped his club reach the Champions League semifinals and had Europe’s big clubs looking to sign him. They were also subject to a transfer ban and needed to keep him at the time.
But should he wish to leave for the Premier League, Atletico will listen to offers.
United have been attracted to his energy up and down the pitch as a No 8, with Solskjaer unable to play Paul Pogba through injury for much of the season.
Solskjaer is happy he is one of a growing band of a Premier League managers who have strong emotional ties with the teams they lead.
Today United take on an Everton team managed by former player Duncan Ferguson, who has been put in caretaker charge after the sacking of Marco Silva.
“I don’t know if there are similarities between Duncan and me,” said Solskjaer, when asked if he was responsible for the shift in views. “It’s about Duncan, he knows Everton. Do I have any advice? Just to be himself. Big Dunc was 100% action and passion as a player and I’m sure he’s the same as manager.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.