Manchester United are at risk of losing Paul Pogba this summer - but they could have already identified his replacement.
The French World Cup winner has publicly expressed his desire for a new challenge and both Real Madrid and Juventus are believed to be interested in handing him an Old Trafford exit.
Whilst the Red Devils are set to try hard to keep their star midfielder and demand a huge £150m fee, Spanish newspaper AS claim they are putting plans in place to fill the void should he leave.
They claim Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez is wanted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and they have already made contact with his representatives to declare their interest.
Saul was long considered a target of local rivals Manchester City .
But they have moved confirmed the signing of his team-mate, Rodri, to take on the role as Fernandinho's successor.
It will prove tough for United to tempt 24-year-old Saul away from the Wanda Metropolitano having been promised a big role in their own rebuild under Diego Simeone.
Having already lost a number of key players, the club are desperate to keep hold of Saul and are said to be unwilling to negotiate.
He has a huge €150m release clause which could be the only way for United to enter formal talks.
United are also believed to have looked at Youri Tielemans, Christian Eriksen and James Maddison as possible central midfield options if Pogba leaves.
Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes is also on their radar and closing in on a move to become Solskjaer's third summer signing.
Swansea winger Daniel James and Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka have already put pen to paper to move to Old Trafford.
