Chelsea and Manchester United are both plotting loan moves for Atletico Madrid and Spain midfielder Saul Niguez, according to reports.
The 26-year-old has just under five years left on his contract at Atletico, but reportedly wants to leave the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium before the summer transfer window shuts later this month.
Now, according to a report from The Guardian, the La Liga champions are willing to let Saul leave the club this month on a season-long loan deal.
The report mentions that Chelsea could 'step up their interest' in the Spain international if Thomas Tuchel feels he needs more depth in his midfield.
It is also said that Man United have not ruled out making a move for Saul before the transfer deadline, which could be bad news for the Blues.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand spoke about Saul last year and urged his old club to make a move for the Spaniard.
Ferdinand told a live Q&A on Instagram : "I do not want Pogba to go but if he does go I would take Saul Niguez all day long. Not like-for-like but [he is] still a top player.
"What a player. I have been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now.
"I think he’s a major player. He’s composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware.
"You can see [Diego] Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things."
Tuchel has already brought in Marcus Bettinelli and Romelu Lukaku this summer and could look to make at least one more late move before the window closes.
.png?w=600)
