Chelsea hand Manchester United Saul Niguez transfer blow

Manchester United have already made some brilliant additions to their squad this summer. But they might still need to make a signing in the middle of the park.

While there were rumours that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could go for a change in system this season, he has stuck with a double pivot in midfield till now. At this point of time, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred appear to be the most likely players competing for those two spots in the starting XI, with Paul Pogba playing further up the pitch.

One player that they have been linked with for a while is Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez. The Spanish international has not been at his best in recent times but at the top of his game, he was one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the world.

As tweeted out by Fabrizio Romano, Saul is set to leave Atletico Madrid. Chelsea had opened talks for him days ago and now, there is an official bid on the table – loan with a buy option. Manchester United have asked about him in the last 24 hours as well and he is in the list with Eduardo Camavinga.

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Manchester United handed Saul transfer blow by Chelsea

It does feel like Chelsea are more advanced in the transfer race for Saul at the moment although things can change very quickly in football. Thomas Tuchel’s side already have three spectacular options in midfield in the form of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic but it looks like they are hoping to add a fourth option in the middle of the park.

On the other hand, the Red Devils have been linked with several players recently who are capable of playing in midfield. Other than Saul and Camavinga, Ruben Neves is another player who could be an interesting option for them.

Now, there is a certain element of risk with a move for Saul considering he has not been in great form lately. But if he can rediscover his form, the reward is incredible as at his best, he is one of the best players in his position in the world.