Manchester United ‘snubbed’ the chance to sign Saul Niguez on the cheap three years ago… now he will cost £71million
United were offered Spanish prodigy in 2014 but decided against taking him to Old Trafford
Sponsored by
MANCHESTER UNITED rejected the chance to sign Spanish midfield sensation Saul Niguez on the cheap - and will be regretting it now.
United were offered the opportunity to take the brilliant Atletico Madrid midfielder to Old Trafford three years ago, according to reports.
But the Premier League giants failed to take up the offer - a decision that is beginning to look a costly mistake.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest transfer news and speculation with our live transfer feed
According to the , the 22-year-old was touted to United in 2014 when he was a promising young player still waiting to make his breakthrough with Atleti.
Niguez had just completed a season on loan with Rayo Vallecano, and would have been been available on the cheap for a cut-price fee.
But now the star is being tracked by Barcelona with a release clause in his contract set at £71million,
That could be a costly mistake by United officials if Niguez goes on to fulfil his potential as one of the best young players in Spain.
The midfielder has been in impressive form for his country during the European Under-21 Championship in Poland this summer.
Most read in football
He scored a brilliant hat-trick on Tuesday night as Spain beat Italy 3-1 to book a final spot against England's conquerors Germany.
That has taken his tally of goals to five for the tournament, where he is almost certain to finish as the leading scorer.
United's transfer activity three years ago was disappointing as executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward struggled to make deals in his first close-season in the role.
The club had gone a long way down the line with efforts to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, only for the winger to sign a new contract at Real.
Woodward also thought he would be able to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, only to fail to come up trumps.
The only significant signing they made that year was splashing out £29m to sign Marouane Fellaini from Everton.
But they have already sealed a deal for Victor Lindelof this summer and look to have their eyes on more big signings, with Nemanja Matic said to be on the verge of moving to Old Trafford.
