Manchester United want to sign Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez in the summer transfer window to bolster their attack for the next season. According to The Daily Mail, the Red Devils are willing to test Atletico's resolve and would persuade the player to join them.
The 21-year-old signed a new five-year deal with the Spanish capital club and following that he saw his release clause rise from £34m to £54m. Niguez's solo sublime goal helped his side beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at home.
They have progressed to the final of the competition, where they face 10-time winners Real Madrid in the final on Saturday. The Spaniard can feature in any of the attacking positions as he can play out wide on the flanks or in the attacking midfield position.
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United were also interested in signing Renato Sanches from Benfica. The Portuguese upcoming star even confirmed the Red Devils interest in him. However, he snubbed a chance to join them and signed for Bayern Munich.
Therefore, reportedly United now are looking for a replacement and they believe Niguez fits the bill as he has the experience of playing top flight football, when compared to Sanches.
In addition to this, the player's image rights are partly owned by Quality Football Ireland, which is co-owned by Jorge Mendes, who is Jose Mourinho's agent. The former Chelsea manager will take charge as United manager and will be working towards helping the Premier League club to return to the top.
Should United trigger his release clause, Atletico will not be in a difficult position to stop this transfer from taking place. United, who finished fifth in the 2015-16 Premier League table are going to miss out on next season's Champions League.
Without Europe's top flight club competition, it will be difficult for them to bring Niguez to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, especially that he will be playing in this season's final.
The Red Devils lost their fourth position to Manchester City, who finished on the final CL spot with 66 points. United also finished with 66 points, but their local rivals’ superior goal difference is what saw them miss out on top four spot.
If United manage to land Niguez, it will boost their attack and his versatility will be very well utilised by Mourinho.
