Manchester United are reportedly considering a £54m offer for Atletico Madrid forward Saul Niguez as part of their ambitious summer transfer plans.
The 21-year-old has played an important role in Diego Simeone’s side success again this year, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.
In turn, he has attracted interest from around Europe from those hoping to prise him away from Atleti, but it appears as though United will be the first to lodge a serious offer, according to The Daily Mail.
It’s unlikely that the La Liga giants will be willing to part with, but United will naturally be hoping that their reported £54m offer will be enough as it would activate the release clause in the youngster’s contract.
Niguez is highly thought of at Atleti and is a firm fans favourite, and so a sale would certainly be an unpopular decision that could lead to further issues for Simeone.
In contrast, it would be an exciting acquisition for Mourinho and United if their interest is real, and the Spaniard will likely be one of many new faces at Old Trafford this summer.
According to Sky Sports, Mourinho will see his deal to become the new United boss confirmed at the end of this week, and if true, that gives him an entire summer to make his plans for the new season and a whole transfer window to bring in the players that he desires.
Some will argue that the fee involved for Niguez should result in the Portuguese tactician considering his options, but such is the talent and room for development that the Atletico star has, there is a counter argument to suggest that United are signing a real star for the present and future.