Liverpool & Chelsea 'in contact' over Niguez transfer as Utd risk missing ou

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly in contact over a transfer for Saul Niguez, as Manchester United risk missing out on the Atletico Madrid midfielder.

Saul, 26, is said to be open to a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano this summer after Diego Simeone's side were crowned Spanish champions in May.

United have already wrapped up what's likely to be the biggest signing of the summer, bringing in Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million.

Now, though, they could be missing out on a midfield target to their Premier League rivals.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be searching for a Paul Pogba replacement, with the Frenchman heavily linked to Paris Saint-Germain.

He could join ex-Liverpool man Georginio Wijnaldum in Paris, as Jurgen Klopp bids to replace him.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is also reportedly a fan of Saul's, looking to mount a title charge after the Blues won the Champions League.

Marca, via Sport Witness, cite English reports that Old Trafford is the Atletico man's most likely destination, although claim themselves that Liverpool and Chelsea have been in contact with his entourage.

The Spanish outlet adds that the reported €50 million (£42.7m) from United could be enough to force a sale, and the Madrid-based outfit are said to be "waiting" on it.

Saul has recently been the subject of a potentially sensational swap deal with Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann, which seems to have stalled.

Although, it was recently reported that Griezmann would only leave the Nou Camp for a return to Atleti amid links to Manchester City.

In 2017, Saul signed a new nine-year contract with Los Colchoneros (The Mattresses), and is known for his versatility in Simeone's side and ability to glide with the ball.

Earlier this month, Atletico paid Udinese €35 million (£29.9m) for Argentine powerhouse Rodrigo de Paul, a player who profiles similarly to Saul.

That could signal those on the red side of Madrid are preparing for their no. 16 to depart in this transfer window.

Simeone even told Spanish outlet AS last week: "Last season, [Saul] spoke with the club, with us about his needs and what he spoke about was the option of having a position on the pitch where he feels more important.

"And I consider that Saul became Saul by playing everywhere, but he or many of those around him see it as something negative."

"He is very important for Atletico because he can play as a full-back, right-wing, midfielder," continued. the Agrnetine.

"He gives us a lot of options to be able to count on him. He is a player who, in that version and playing how the coach needs him to, performs very well."

Simeone added regarding the Spaniard possibly seeking pastures new: "We cannot put aside what is rumoured and talked about.

"If he has to leave, give him a big hug, wish him the best with the boys who gave us life and to continue being friends, as always. Either to Barcelona or elsewhere."