Manchester United have “taken the lead” in the race to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, according to AS.

The Spanish newspaper reports that the Red Devils “love the player” (along with Chelsea) and he is someone who fits the profile for what they are looking for in midfield.

Fred and Nemanja Matic were criticised for their performances against Southampton at the weekend and it seems United’s recruitment team have been pressed into action as the club seek to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

AS claim that Niguez could leave on loan, rather than on a permanent basis, with a “substantial” loan fee being involved in addition to United paying the majority of the player’s wages.

In addition to Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona have also been linked with the Spanish international this summer, but it seems as though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are currently favourites to get this deal over the line.