Saul Niguez rules out Atletico Madrid exit as new Man United boss Jose Mourinho lines him up for massive £54million move

SAUL NIGUEZ has pledged his allegiance to Atletico Madrid after being linked with a big-money move to Manchester United.

New Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a huge squad overhaul as he looks to challenge for the Premier League title and has reportedly made Saul one of his top transfer targets.

6

6

This is despite the player penning a new contract until 2020 which has seen his release clause soar to £54million, but Mourinho is apparently undeterred by the huge figure.

Saul is regarded as one of Spain’s hottest prospects after helping Atletico reach another Champions League final, and Barcelona are also believed to be monitoring his situation.

But the 21-year-old has dealt potential suitors a huge blow after claiming he wants to stay at the Vicente Calderon this summer, adding he hopes boss Diego Simeone will join him after the Argentine was tipped to take over at French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Saul told AS: “I’m fine in Madrid, I play often and I’m happy. Atletico is the club where I intend to stay. Simeone? We all want him to stay.”

Now Read

IN THE MEX

Manchester United in 'approach' for Mexico star Hirving Lozano amid Jose Mourinho's big summer shake-up

Zlat's tats

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's incredible tattoos and what they really mean

BOMB ALERT

Zlatan Ibrahimovic tells Man Utd fans he is ready to make a major announcement on future on Tuesday

DE STAYER

David De Gea set to stay at Manchester United with Real Madrid unwilling to meet his £39m release fee

6

6

The former Real Madrid youngster has also revealed his disappointment at missing out on Spain’s 23-man squad for Euro 2016 despite being tipped for a spot alongside the likes of Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.

Many were surprised when Saul was overlooked by Vicente del Bosque for a seat on the plane to France, with the 65-year-old tactician also leaving Chelsea’s Diego Costa and United’s Juan Mata at home.

But the player is determined to force his way into the set-up for future tournaments as an Atletico man, adding: “I would have liked to have been called up by Del Bosque but for me it was already an award to be in the preliminary squad.

6

6

“Now I have to work hard with Atletico because sooner or later my chance will come.”

Spain kick off their Euro adventure on June 13 against Czech Republic and also face tricky tests against Turkey and Croatia in Group D.

Del Bosque knows that nothing is guaranteed despite boasting a star-studded squad, but the current holders will be desperate to make amends after a dismal performance in the 2014 World Cup which saw their trophy defence come to an end in the group stages.