Saul Niguez’s name is popping up with increasing popularity amongst the football media these days. Around two weeks ago, we covered a story from AS in which it was claimed that United were ‘looking’ at the Spaniard, while they were prepared to pay £70million.
Around a fortnight later, the English media have seemingly picked up on that story. It comes from The Sun, who write that United have sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old star in action.
They add that Solskjaer is weighing up a big-money bid for Saul, corroborating AS’ story by again quoting a figure of £70million.
Apparently, United had ‘spies’ present during Atletico Madrid’s brilliant victory over Liverpool in the Champions League just before play was halted – and I don’t doubt that Reds officials were excited by Saul’s stunning individual display.
Solskjaer is looking to bolster his midfield this summer – an area in which I think United are still a player light. However, losing Paul Pogba remains a real possibility.
The stumbling block would be Saul’s NINE(!)-year contract in the Spanish capital. That deal does have a big £132m release clause, though United have made it clear they wouldn’t go any higher than £70million.
United can offer a huge increase on Saul’s wages, looking to push up his current £115,000-a-week contract to somewhere like £200,000-a-week.
For that fee and those wages, I’d say he’s probably an excellent replacement for Pogba, but pay much more than that and you’re approaching dangerous territory.
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