In order to sign Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez, Premier League giants Manchester United will have to pay in excess of £128million to Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
The Spaniard who is having a good season in LaLiga and has made 250 appearances for the club’s first team has attracted interest from a number of top clubs around Europe.
United who are considering replacing French playmaker Paul Pogba with Saul if the former leaves for Real Madrid. Pogba is still said to be injured and in fact, has not kicked a ball for United since the end of September. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer maintains he will play again for the Red Devils before the turn of the year.
Saul is under contract until 2026 in Madrid and to lure him away from Spain is going to be a big task for United and other clubs interested in him. Also, Atletico Madrid are desperate to keep hold of the player.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Saul thanked Atletico boss Diego Simeone for giving him his La Liga debut at the club in 2013 and turning him into one of the best midfielders in Spain He added said he wants to focus his efforts on helping Atletico Madrid win titles.
He said: “I’ve achieved a lot.
“It’s a very special feeling. My biggest dream is to be at the club all my life and continue to win titles.
“I’m going through a great moment and it shows on the pitch. I’m happy for the goals but mostly because of the team’s benefits.
“We have shown we’re capable of fighting for the league and even winning it, but it’s very even and any team can give you a scare.
“The work we do every day will determine how far we go and if we have the league in our sights we’ll go for it until death.”
