Manchester United are leading Chelsea in the battle to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, according to reports in the Spanish media.
At the time of writing, neither club has reached an agreement with Atletico for the player but it is believed that the La Liga champions are prepared to loan out the 26-year-old, with an option to buy included.
Supporters on Twitter had a mixed reaction to the news, with some backing the move, while others believe that Niguez isn’t the type of midfielder the Red Devils should be targeting:
@MrStephenHowson ….music to the ears
— Avinash Madhu (@avi_y2j) August 24, 2021
We already have 2 b2b. We need a DM ??♀️. Who is running this club?
— ???????????? ????????? ? (@quinn_utd) August 24, 2021
Anything is better than Fred..
— ° (@ShariffAbdinas3) August 24, 2021
It’s better than buying no midfielder tbf
— Lawson ? (@UTDLawson) August 24, 2021
this is a joke, buying a box to box while we need a cdm
— ?? ~ Alwin (@Aucey27) August 24, 2021
Would prefer him to nobody but Neves is still better
— Haamy #GlazersOut (@HaamyMufc) August 24, 2021
I'd take anyone at this point tbh
— ＭＡＲＣＵＳ™ (@MarcxsUTD) August 24, 2021
Yesss. Better than Fred at least.
— Zack_Utd (@UtdZackM) August 24, 2021
Fixed it: Atletico want rid of Saul so are using UTD to speed up bids.
— AMT89 (@amt89_a) August 24, 2021
There is a sense that Atletico are trying to find a taker for Niguez before the transfer window closes and, as some point out, it could simply be the case that United have been mentioned in order to drum up interest.
However, it may also be true that the Manchester club’s recruitment team see the Spanish international as a great piece of business, especially on loan.