Saul Niguez stole headlines last night with a flawless performance during Spain u21s 3-1 victory over Italy in the European Championship semi-finals, with the Atletico Madrid youngster helping himself to a memorable hat-trick in the process.
The 22-year-old midfielder has caught the attentions of several major European clubs during the last three seasons he has spent in Los Colchoneros' first team.
Despite rumoured interest from Barcelona, who are desperate to add another midfielder to their ranks in order to eventually replace the ageing Andres Iniesta, Saul isn't interested in a move to Camp Nou any time soon.
Credit: ESPN
Advert
Yet things could have turned out quite differently for the Spanish midfielder, who could now be plying his trade at Old Trafford instead of in the Spanish capital.
In 2014, a 19-year-old Saul, fresh off a season-long loan with Rayo Vallecano, was offered to United who decided against signing the prodigious Spaniard for what would have been a much cheaper fee than what his services would command nowadays.
Advert
It is believed Atleti, who are currently serving a transfer ban that was issued to them by UEFA, would settle for no less than £70 million for Saul's signature.
Speaking to AS, Saul spoke of the links to Barca, claiming that he is happy with Los Rojiblancos.
"I have no intention of moving.
"I'm where I want to be and things are going to remain the same. They [Atletico] have put their trust in me since I was young, and I want to repay that confidence."
Advert
The 22-year-old signed a five-year deal with Atletico, last summer, keeping him contracted to the club until 2021.
(H/T Football Espana)
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid
