Manchester City have been given a boost in their hopes of signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez with reports claiming that Barcelona have dropped out of the race for the 25-year-old.
The Catalan giants had an agreement with Atletico that would allow them to match any bids from other clubs for the player.
However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona have decided not to use that option and do not plan on making a bid for the midfielder.
Both City and Manchester United have reportedly been interested in the player in the past, but Atletico are determined to put up a fight in keeping their player when the window opens.
It is reported that the Spanish side are not willing to accept any offer below Niguez’s £130 million release clause in his contract.
Niguez has played 37 games in all competitions for Atletico this season, scoring four goals and providing nine assists.
He can play in a central midfield or left midfield role, but had deputised at left-back on a few occasions this campaign.
Meanwhile, Calciomercato report that City are rivalling French giants Paris Saint-Germain for Milan full-back Theo Hernandez, according to Calciomercato.
The 22-year-old is subject to interest from PSG, with the French side pushing hard to try and land the player this summer.
However, the report claims that City remain interested and are providing competition for the player.
But it is also said that the player is happy and settled in Milan having only arrived from Real Madrid last summer.
The Frenchman has played 25 times in all competitions for the Serie A side, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
Milan are said to be looking for a fee of at least £48million should they decide to cash in this summer.
