Manchester United are reportedly optimistic that a fee of £45m will be enough to secure the signature of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid.

With doubts growing over the future of Paul Pogba at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to bring in another central midfielder before the transfer window closes.

Saul has allegedly been told by Atletico that he is free to leave the club this summer, and a possible swap deal with Barcelona involving Antoine Griezmann has been mooted.

However, talks over that proposal have reportedly hit a brick wall due to salary disputes, and the Daily Mail indicates that Man United are ready to swoop in.

The report claims that United are hopeful of doing business for around the £45m mark given Atletico's need to raise funds, but Liverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be in contact over a move.

Saul featured 41 times for Diego Simeone's side across all competitions last term, but the 26-year-old started just 22 La Liga games and amassed a mere three goal contributions. body check tags ::