Chelsea are reportedly planning a last-minute attempt to hijack Saul Niguez's proposed move to Manchester United from Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard has allegedly been told that he is free to leave the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and a recent report claimed that he was set to join Man United 'imminently'.

However, with other Premier League clubs being alerted to his availability, it appears that the Red Devils have a fight on their hands to secure Saul's services in the next week.

According to The Guardian, Chelsea are considering a late loan move for Saul, with Thomas Tuchel keen to bolster his midfield options after sending Billy Gilmour out on loan to Norwich City.

The report adds that Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ross Barkley may have to be offloaded before a bid for Saul can be lodged, though, and United are still thought to be at the head of the queue.

Despite struggling for starts last term, Saul has played the full 90 minutes in both of Atletico's La Liga games so far this season, claiming the assist for Angel Correa's second goal in their opening-day win over Celta Vigo. body check tags ::