Manchester City 'Close' To Signing Atlético Madrid's Saúl Ñíguez
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Manchester City have potentially hijacked Barcelona's move for Saúl Ñíguez after reports suggest that the club are 'closing in on a summer deal.'
That's according to ESPN's sources, who claim that Barça have been made aware of the interest from the reigning Premier League champions.
City boss Pep Guardiola has turned his
attention to the Atlético Madrid star after missing out on Ajax's Frenkie de
Jong, who signed for
Barcelona in the January transfer window.
ESPN reports that Atlético are allowing players to leave the club in the summer in order to raise funds.
It's believed that the Spanish club would want
£120m for the 24-year-old midfielder, but the publication says that a 'fee of
£80m would be enough to finalise a transfer.'
Ñíguez came through the Atlético youth academy and has made 150 appearances for the club's senior team.
Guardiola is keen to land the Spain international
ahead of the next Premier League season, which would provide him with some
much-needed cover for Fernandinho.
The Brazilian defensive midfielder turns 34 in May, so the former Barcelona manager would consider Ñíguez as his long-term successor.
Would Ñíguez be a hit at City?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Manchester City, Football News, ESPN, Football, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Premier League, Fernandinho, Frenkie De Jong
