Transfer news: Manchester United monitoring Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez after Phil Neville spotted in Spain - reports
The United coach was seen in the stands during Rayo Vallecano's 1-0 victory at Getafe
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Manchester United are believed to be taking a closer look at Atletico Madrid midfielder Saúl Ñíguez after coach Phil Neville was spotted in the stands during Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga match against Getafe on Sunday.
Saúl is currently on loan with Rayo from second place Atletico, and the Spain Under-21 international has already been of interest to both Chelsea and Arsenal – both London clubs also had scouts in attendance at Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
The 19-year-old featured sparingly for Atletico last season, making nine appearances – seven from the bench – in La Liga and the Europa League. However, Saúl has been a first team regular throughout the season for Rayo, although he was deployed at centre-back on Sunday as Luis García Plaza attempted to address his side’s leaky defence – the club sit second-bottom and have conceded seven goals more than any other team in the league.
Saúl was part of the successful Spain side at the Under-19 European Championship in 2012, and has gone on to become a regular face in the Under-21 midfield.
The Telegraph is reporting that despite the interest, no offers have been made for the player. However, they claim that Antonio Sanz, head of communication for Bahia Internacional who represent the player, admitted that Atletico Madrid would consider selling him after setting the precedent with recent big-name departures.
“Atlético are a selling club,” said Sanz. “They have sold Fernando Torres, Sergio Agüero, and David de Gea. Another matter is whether a club is willing to come in and make an offer.”
United’s interest in Saúl is the latest in an ever-lengthening line of Spanish talent being monitored by Moyes, having made attempts to sign Cesc Fabregas, Fabio Coentrao and Ander Herrera last summer as well as maintaining interest in current Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
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