Manchester United transfer blow in race for Atletico Madrid star

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Hector Herrera (L) of Atletico de Madrid celebrates his teammate Marcos Llorente (2ndR) fourth goal with Angel Martin Correa (2ndR) and Saul Niguez (R) during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and SD Eibar at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on April 18, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Hector Herrera (L) of Atletico de Madrid celebrates his teammate Marcos Llorente (2ndR) fourth goal with Angel Martin Correa (2ndR) and Saul Niguez (R) during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and SD Eibar at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on April 18, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Manchester United are expected to make a splash in the summer transfer window. They have already agreed a deal to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and have signed Tom Heaton on a free transfer.

The Red Devils are not expected to stop there though. They could try to make a couple more big signings this summer and have been linked with a number of players. Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez is one such player.

While Atletico Madrid managed to win the La Liga title last season, the Spanish midfielder did not have a great individual campaign. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he made 33 appearances in the league in the 2020/21 season, scoring twice and providing one assist. But there is no question about his quality and on top form, he is one of the best in the world in his position.

As a result, there is no lack of interest in his signature and Manchester United are one of the clubs who have appeared to have had him on their radar. But it looks like he could be headed towards FC Barcelona.

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Manchester United handed Saul transfer blow

As reported by ESPN, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have opened talks over a swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann and Saul.

And if the move was to go through, it would be a blow to the Red Devils’ transfer hopes, who appear to be looking to strengthen in the middle of the park this summer.

It is worth pointing out though that Saul is not the only central midfielder that the club have been linked with in recent times. Eduardo Camavinga is perhaps the player, who most of the recent rumours have surrounding regarding an Old Trafford switch.

Now, it remains to be seen who the Red Devils end up signing if they do sign a central midfielder this summer.