Liverpool have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Saul Niguez after Atletico Madrid brought in Rodrigo De Paul as a midfield replacement.

The Reds are rumoured to be leading a host of clubs for the 26-year-old, who struggled for regular starts under Diego Simeone in the 2020-21 campaign.

Saul still has another five years to run on the long-term contract signed in 2017, but both the player and Atletico are believed to be open to parting ways this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, an exit from the Wanda Metropolitano is now even more likely after the La Liga champions moved to sign De Paul from Udinese on Monday.

Saul, who has also been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, is thought to be available for £35m - just short of the amount Atleti paid for De Paul.

Liverpool are in the market for a new central midfielder after losing Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last month. body check tags ::