Manchester City reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid before his deadline day switch to Chelsea.

Manchester City reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day.

The 26-year-old was informed by the La Liga that he was free to move on after failing to become a mainstay of Diego Simeone's setup in their triumphant 2020-21 season.

City, Liverpool and Manchester United were all linked with moves for Saul, but Chelsea ultimately secured the midfielder's signature at the last minute on an initial season-long loan.

However, the Daily Star reports that Saul's switch to Chelsea was only sanctioned after Atletico's attempts to strike a player-plus-cash deal with City's Bernardo Silva fell through.

Pep Guardiola admitted last month that Silva wanted to leave, but the report adds that City were holding out for a sum of £40m for the Portuguese, while Guardiola was not interested in welcoming Saul to Manchester.

Chelsea have the option to make Saul's transfer permanent for around £30m next summer, and the Spain international could make his debut in next Saturday's clash with Aston Villa.

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