Manchester City 'Close' To Signing Atlético Madrid's Saúl Ñíguez

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.

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, ESPN, Football, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Premier League, Fernandinho, Frenkie De Jong

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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