Manchester United are willing to use the funds they get from selling Paul Pogba to finance a move for Atletico Madrid lynchpin Saul Niguez.
Daily Star Sport understands that United planning for life without Pogba and a deal for Spaniard Niguez is closer than ever.
Now, Spanish publication AS is reporting that the Red Devils are hoping to agree a deal worth around €80m (£70m) for Niguez – a fee around half that of his £132m buyout clause.
Meanwhile, United are hoping to cash in on Pogba this summer for £100m, with longterm admirers Real Madrid and Juventus linked with the World Cup Winner.
According to reports from Daily Star, United want to sell Pogba to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga wrecking their summer plans and Niguez is viewed as his perfect replacement.
Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed the midfielder would be a perfect signing for the club, saying: “He’s another one, what a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now.
“I think he’s a major player. 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.
“Saul Niguez is huge and it’s come out in the papers this week that Man United are interested in him, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
