Reports in Spain suggest Manchester United have some convincing to do.
Various Spanish media outlets are reporting that United have a £20m [€26.7m] bid on the table of Atletico Madrid for their talented midfielder Saúl Ñíguez.
The 21-year-old, who made his debut with Atletico in 2012, has had the release clause in his contract triggered but stumbling blocks remain in place.
Diego Simeone, his manager, does not want the Spanish U21 to leave and has assured him of his future with the side.
Interestingly, Corriero dello Sport have claimed that Simeone was approached by United to replace David Moyes, in 2014, but opted to stay on in Spain.
United will also have to sell themselves to Saúl and, inevitably, increase his current wages.
The midfielder will be well aware of United’s league and cup struggles and the fact that recent signings, such as Angel di Maria, Ander Herrera and Memphis Depay, have struggled to adapt in Louis van Gaal’s possession-thirsty team.
Right now, no deal is done and Saúl insists he is happy at Atletico. He told AS:
My biggest dream is to stay at Atletico for life.
We’ve shown that we can fight for La Liga and even win it, but it is very even and any team can give you a scare, so we do not look beyond each game.
I’m going through a great moment and it shows on the field. I am happy for the goals, but mostly because the team is doing well.
Saúl also expressed his indebtedness to Simeone and believes he owes a lot to the Argentine for helping him develop as a player.
“I have been infected by his ambition,” the young Atletico star declared.
Louis van Gaal and Ed Woodward have some work to do.
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