Man Utd chief John Murtough facing Jesse Lingard problem in Saul Niguez transfer pursuit

Saul Niguez: All you need to know about Spanish midfielder

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Manchester United director John Murtough could be forced to sell Jesse Lingard in order to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez before next week’s transfer deadline, according to reports. The Red Devils are understood to be keen on launching a move for Saul, who is also being tracked by Chelsea, over the next few days.

The 26-year-old has been told by Atletico that he can leave the club if a suitable offer is tabled.

He has reportedly been identified as a target by United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believed to be keen on making a late addition to his midfield ranks.

The 20-time Premier League champions have already welcomed Jadon Sancho, Tom Heaton and Raphael Varane to Old Trafford since the beginning of the summer window.

However, it seems as though a quick-fire move for Saul could also be on the cards, with just five days remaining for clubs to do business.

Although United are keen admirers of the Spaniard, they will be unable to fund an approach for his signature unless one of their existing stars is sold, according to ESPN.

JUST IN: What Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes told Juventus in meeting

The report suggests that Lingard would be the obvious candidate, with the Red Devils still fielding interest from West Ham United.

An enquiry for the 28-year-old, who excelled on loan with the Hammers last season, is said to have already been knocked back.

Solskjaer has expressed a desire to keep hold of Lingard for now, but whether the Norwegian boss will change his mind in order to bring Saul to the club remains to be seen.

Atletico have also been keeping tabs on the United man, suggesting that a part-exchange move could be another option for the Manchester heavyweights to explore.

It is said that United would stand a far better chance of landing Saul to the club if his current employers were open to accepting another type of deal other than a straight transfer fee.

The midfielder has played every minute for Atletico in La Liga this season in spite of the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future.

He has been tipped to serve as Paul Pogba’s long-term successor if a move to United can be engineered over the coming days.

The Frenchman will be out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to agree fresh terms at Old Trafford, although talks are believed to be ongoing.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

However, former Premier League playmaker Carlton Palmer has warned United against replacing Pogba with Saul, insisting that such a move would not be in the club’s best interests.

“I think that’s a backward step if you’re letting Pogba go and bringing in somebody like that,” Palmer told Transfer Tavern.

“Listen, he’s technically very good and he’s a good football player, but he’s not on the same level as Pogba. So for me, it’s a non-starter.”

Source: Read Full Article