Man Utd transfer blow as Atletico Madrid offer Niguez to rivals Man City
Atletico Madrid have reportedly offered Saul Niguez in exchange for Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva in a blow to Manchester United.
The Red Devils have long targeted the Spanish midfielder.
But Atletico’s desire to sign Silva could send Saul to United’s rivals.
According to The Times, Atletico are willing to send club stalwart Saul in a direct swap for City star Silva – in a move that could benefit both clubs in terms of Financial Fair Play.
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Saul, 26, has been a key man for Simeone over the years, playing 337 times for his boyhood club.
But this season his importance dwindled – with Simeone only selecting him in the starting XI for 22 of their 38 LaLiga fixtures.
After sealing his first title-winners’ medal, Saul may decide that the time is right to go.
Atleti chief executive Miguel Angel Gil said: “Saul is captain, he has been with the club for many seasons and therefore has earned the right to decide when and how to end his relationship with Atletico.”
Silva, meanwhile, has wanted to leave City for over a year.
The Portuguese star, 26, was unhappy with the one-match ban and £50,000 fine he was slapped with by the FA for a racist social media post in 2019.
His contract runs until 2025, but he sees his future away from the Premier League.
Silva has made 201 appearances for City since joining in 2017, but only started 24 of their 38 Prem games this season.