Manchester United are exploring a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
The 26-year-old has been on United’s radar for some time though his £128million buy out clause was an obvious obstacle.
However, with Atletico under increasing financial strain, there is a growing belief a deal could be struck this window closer to £45m.
United want a top level midfielder with Paris St Germain ready to make an offer for Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, who figured against QPR on Saturday, weighing up his options.
Saul is under contract until 2026 and is one of Atletico’s highest earners. He has been offered to Barcelona and Juventus in recent weeks, indeed talks had developed over a swap with Barca’s Antoine Griezmann only for wages to become an issue.
Liverpool also admire Saul but they are unlikely to buy unless they sell another midfielder.
That leaves United best placed. Any move is likely to be treated separately to one for Atletico full-back Kieran Trippier.
The England full-back is eager to join United but Atletico are more desperate to sell Saul and move his considerable wages off their books.
United have discussed Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes but are more inclined to wait for the 18-year-old’s contract to run out next summer.
Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is also an option but he would prefer to reach an agreement over a new deal with the German champions.
Much will hinge on what funds United have left after their move for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
They are still to find agreement on personal terms for the France centre-back and once that is in place they will make their formal offer.
