Atletico Madrid allow midfielder Saul Niguez to decide his next destination as both Chelsea and Manchester United compete for his signature.
Saul has been told that he is free to leave the club this summer and had initially been keen to join Barcelona, but talks over a swap deal with Antoine Griezmann broke down and allowed suitors from the Premier League to step in.
Atleti’s hopes of a permanent transfer soon faded and a loan car is now the most likely result for Saul, whose representatives have talked for a long time with both Chelsea and United in recent days about a possible move.
As stated by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have now submitted an official offer to buy Saul on loan with a call option, while United have also increased their interest in the last 24 hours.
As for Atletico, 90-minute sources have confirmed that Saul will have the last word on his future, and Los Rojiblancos are ready to do business with any team that can convince Saul to join.
The 26-year-old is keen to move to the Premier League and is now taking the time to decide which club he will join, with the offer of regular playing time being of course a decisive factor.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to find a fourth midfielder to use in his regular tournament alongside N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, and the opportunity to sign Saul on loan is one that the Stamford Bridge board has considered good for to pass up.
The Blues also remain interested in Sevilla midfielder Jules Kounde and are hopeful that an agreement can be reached soon – a process that would be facilitated by Kurt Zouma’s possible departure to West Ham United.
Chelsea will continue to try to persuade Saul to move to Stamford Bridge, but United are expected to follow up on their interest and force the midfielder to make a decision.
