Manchester United and other top European football sides have been put ‘on alert’ with the news that Atletico Madrid are ready to lower their asking price for midfielder Saul Niguez.
The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new central midfielder with Paul Pogba’s future at the club uncertain as the January transfer window approaches.
It’s believed head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for an energetic No.8 to get up and down the pitch and Spanish star Saul fits the bill at the theatre of dreams.
The Spanish midfielder has been with Atletico since 2008 when he joined their youth ranks and as recently as July 2017 he signed a nine-year deal with the club, which included a release clause of £125m.
Manchester United’s pursuit of the 25-year-old has now been given a boost, according to the Daily Telegraph, Atletico are ready to accept offers of around £85m, making him more affordable for clubs to sign.
The addition of a central midfielder at Old Trafford is seen to be key to Solskjaer who is currently making do with Scott McTominay the anchor with Andreas Pereira and Fred around him in the middle of the pitch.
Saul would be an upgrade on those two and may even prove to a be a long-term replacement for Paul Pogba who is set to finally return to first-team action after his return from injury next week.
The France international remains wanted by Real Madrid and a transfer move could materialise in January or the summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side remain linked with Salzburg forward Erling Haaland with reports emerging that the United boss flew out to meet the striker on Friday.