Liverpool 'hoping to beat Barcelona to Saul Niguez deal'

Liverpool are reportedly keen to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez this summer.

The 26-year-old was again a regular for Diego Simeone's side during the 2020-21 campaign, making 41 appearances in all competitions, but there have been suggestions that the La Liga champions are open to selling him in the current market.

Atletico are said to be in talks with Barcelona over a potential swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann, although Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has insisted that the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement.

According to AS, Liverpool are the 'most enthusiastic' of the suitors for Saul, who is believed to be attracting a host of interest from the Premier League.

The Reds are thought to be willing to pay €40m (£34.3m) for the Spaniard, but that figure is unlikely to be enough to convince Simeone's team to sell.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, who still has five years left to run on his contract at Wanda Metropolitano.