Topics: Transfer, Manchester United, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Saul Niguez
The Red Devils have reportedly entered the race to land the service of the wantaway Spanish midfielder.

Manchester United have reportedly moved ahead in the scramble for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez. The Red Devils have assumed pole position ahead of a number of clubs although a move to Barcelona is said to be beckoning for the Spaniard.

Saul has long been tipped for a move to Old Trafford but ended the speculations in 2017 when he signed a long-term contract. With the contract ending in 2026, the midfielder ruled out any imminent move for the foreseeable future. However, the situation has changed in recent months and the player is said to be angling for a move out of Atletico after falling down the pecking order in the charge for glory in La Liga last season.

Having made 337 appearances for Diego Simeone's side since his debut, Saul is said to be open to a new experience elsewhere. A move to Barcelona has dominated headlines since last week, with Antoine Griezmann also tipped to move back to the Wanda Metropolitano in a swap deal. However, talks have stalled momentarily and other clubs are said to be ready to capitalise on the impasse.

One such is Manchester United who are now said to be making significant strides in a bid to sign the Atletico Madrid man. As reported by Francesc Aguilar, Saul's agent, Jonathan Barnett, has started exploring alternative possibilities and a move to the Premier League is believed to be on the cards. Although the Red Devils are yet to table an official bid for the player, it is rumored that they could be securing the service of the player ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool should the transfer to Barca fail.