Pranav Nair
Manchester United target Saul Niguez offered to Manchester City
According to The Times (Subscription Required), Atletico Madrid have offered Manchester United target Saul Niguez to Manchester City in exchange for Bernardo Silva.
The Spanish international, once an indispensable part of Diego Simeone’s side has seen his standing diminish in 2020/21. He made 41 appearances in all competitions as they won the La Liga title this season. Of his 33 appearances in La Liga, only 22 have come as a starter.
A player previously linked with United, the Red Devils have been teased as a potential destination for the 26-year-old. While he could very well move to Manchester, it may not be for the right team.
According to the report, Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva is similarly unsettled at the Etihad. Atletico are seeking to take advantage of the situation and swap Niguez for the City star.
Niguez has a buyout clause of around £60m. However, Atletico appear ready to listen to offers closer to the £40m mark. A swap deal however makes sense as the Spaniards would be getting themselves a top player in return.
The Spaniards will need to sell before they can buy this summer and getting Bernardo for Niguez would be akin to hitting two birds with one stone.
City are in for an interesting summer following their Champions League final debacle against Chelsea. They are eyeing Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish this summer as Pep Guardiola plans to boost his ranks.
They also have their eyes on Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane who appears to be open to a new challenge. United cannot afford to be left behind and should ensure they make the most of their chances this summer.
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In Grealish, Niguez and Kane, City are after three players United have been linked with. It would be a rather sobering thought to see the trio line up for our arch-rivals next season.
