Manchester United suffer blow in pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez, with Spanish giants 'unwilling to accept anything less than his £135m buyout clause this summer', despite financial issues caused by the coronavirus crisis
* Atletico Madrid want £135million for Manchester United target Saul Niguez
* The Premier League side are only prepared to offer £70million for the Spaniard
* The midfielder has had an impressive season but his contract runs until 2026
* Players' values have dropped during the pandemic but Atletico will not negotiate
Atletico Madrid will demand £135million for Manchester United target Saul Niguez despite the financial implications caused by the coronavirus crisis.
The midfielder is a top target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side with the club prepared to bid up to £70million as well as offer him a huge salary increase.
But Atletico are refusing to accept an offer of anything below the 25-year-old's £135million release clause, according to Marca.
Players have seen their value drop dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic with domestic football leagues suspended.
But the Spanish club are not prepared to negotiate on the price of their star asset, despite the financial situation.
United sent scouts to watch Saul as he helped his side knockout Liverpool in the Champions League last month but he has been on the club's radar for a while.
Atletico Madrid will demand the £135million release of Saul Niguez from any potential suitors. Manchester United are interested in the midfielder but are only prepared to offer £70million. The Spaniard was the star as the LaLiga side knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League
The midfielder has scored four times in 37 appearances for Atletico this season, including the only goal in the home-leg victory over Jurgen Klopp's side.
But the LaLiga side are under no pressure to sell the Spaniard as was tied down to a long contract in 2017 which will keep him at the club until 20206.
The midfielder would likely be a replacement for Paul Pogba with United having to sell the Frenchman to raise the necessary funds, however, they are unlikely to recoup the £100million they spent in 2016.
Manchester City have also been linked with Saul with David Silva set to leave the Etihad when the current campaign comes to an end.
Code:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8242339/Man-United-suffer-blow-Saul-pursuit-Atletico-unwilling-accept-135m-buyout-clause.html