As we enter the final stages of the season the summer transfer window approaches – which means the rumours hot up and up.
And one of the standout rumours sees Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona reportedly locked in a three-way battle for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
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Saul has reportedly caught the eye of the three European giants
The 24-year-old is contracted at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2026 but according to the Daily Mirror, that hasn’t put off the three clubs as they look to add some freshness to their ageing midfields.
Saul is a central midfielder who mainly plays in a more defensive role and is particularly effective at breaking up the play of the opposition but he does enjoy going forward during matches.
He’s also capable of playing on the left of midfield and has even filled in at left-back for Atletico – a manager’s dream!
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So we at talkSPORT.com looked at where Saul would fit in if he were to move to either United, City or Barcelona this summer.
Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to receive financial backing in the summer and could need another defensively minded midfielder with reports claiming Ander Herrera is on his way to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Saul would naturally slot into Herrera’s position and he’d have some licence to get forward while Nemanja Matic holds the fort.
However, if Paul Pogba ends up leaving Old Trafford, the Spaniard could be given a more advanced role if he joins United which he is capable of playing.
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How United could line up next season if they sign Saul
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Barcelona
It would cause quite a stir if Saul swapped Atletico for Barca but very few players can resist the lure of playing at the Nou Camp.
In this team we’ve put Saul on the left of a midfield three alongside Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.
However, Saul could be viewed as 31-year-old Busquets’ or 30-year-old Rakitic’s long-term replacement which would then make way for 22-year-old Arthur Melo in midfield.
Saul in a more defensive role may give Philippe Coutinho – who hasn’t impressed since his £142million move from Liverpool – to move into a deeper role in the future and be Andres Iniesta’s successor.
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Could Saul be heading to Spanish giants Barcelona?
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Manchester City
The Mirror report claims that Saul is Pep Guardiola’s No.1 target in the summer as City look to find a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, who turns 34 in May.
And after failing to land Jorginho last summer, City could be willing to splash out up to £130m on Spain international Saul to fill that void.
However, David Silva is also getting on at 33 so Saul could potentially slot into his position as well.
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