Liverpool 'leading race for £35m Saul Niguez'

Liverpool are reportedly at the head of the queue for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.

The Spaniard has a contract with the La Liga champions until 2026 but struggled for consistent starts under Diego Simeone last season, and Atletico are supposedly open to a summer sale.

Manchester United and Chelsea have been tipped to do battle for the signature of Saul, who was left out of Spain's squad for Euro 2020.

However, Diario AS reports that it is Liverpool leading the charge as they seek to take advantage of Atletico's volatile financial state, which has seen the Spanish champions significantly reduce their asking price.

The report adds that Simeone's side are happy to sanction a sale for £35m - despite his £128.9m release clause - and they are already set to boost their midfield options with the signing of Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese.

Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in Saul, who managed just two goals and one assist in all competitions last term.