Diego Simeone thought Saul Niguez could be one of the world’s best players and now Manchester United or Chelsea have chance to sign experienced midfielder

Manchester United and Chelsea are both in the hunt for Saul Niguez, with Atletico Madrid keen to get him off their wage bill.

The midfielder has been monitored by United since David Moyes' time in charge of the club, which ended in 2014, and it is said the LaLiga side are open to an initial loan.

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United fans want to see a defensive midfielder brought in and 26-year-old Saul, who has played more than 300 times for Atletico has bags of experience. It's also believed the player wants a new challenge.

He has played all over the pitch for manager Diego Simeone, who addressed the transfer rumours surrounding Saul earlier in the summer.

He said: “We cannot put aside what is rumoured and talked about.

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“If he has to leave, [I’ll] give him a big hug, wish him the best with the boys who gave us life and to continue being friends, as always. Either to Barcelona or elsewhere.”

Simeone believes Saul wants to play a more prominent role rather than continue being an important but versatile option for Ateltico.

“Last season he spoke with the club, with us about his needs and what he spoke about was the option of having a position on the pitch where he feels more important,” he added.

“And I consider that Saul became Saul by playing everywhere, but he or many of those around him see it as something negative.

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“He is very important for Atletico because he can play as a full-back, right-wing, midfielder. He gives us a lot of options to be able to count on him. He is a player who, in that version and playing how the coach needs him to, performs very well.”

And Simeone has always been high on the potential of Saul.

In 2017, he stated: "Always since I got to the club [in 2011], beyond the goal of winning titles, that were achieved, I always said that I wanted to promote [home-grown] players.

"Saul, Koke, Lucas [Hernandez], Thomas [Partey], it's a group of guys who always responded well since I arrived.

"Saul has all the conditions to be among the best midfielders in the world. He can shoot, pass, has rhythm, plays with his head."

High praise and he could now bring his talents to the Premier League.

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