Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has said that the Red Devils should move for Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez if Paul Pogba leaves the club during this summer's transfer window.

United are allegedly lining up a £135m move for Saul as they prepare for the potential exit of Pogba, who continues to be linked with a move away from the 20-time English champions.

Ferdinand has backed his former club's reported pursuit of Saul, branding the Spain international, who has a contract at the Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2026, "a major player".

"I don't want Pogba to go but if he does go I'd take Saul Niguez all day long. Not like-for-like but still a top player," Ferdinand said during an Instagram Live.

"What a player. I've been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now. I think he's a major player. Composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he's very aware.

"You can see [Diego] Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up and he's in the middle orchestrating and dictating things."

The 25-year-old, who is also believed to be a transfer target for Barcelona, is closing in on 300 appearances for Atletico in all competitions.