Manchester United line up Saul Niguez transfer while fighting off Atletico Madrid interest in Ander Herrera
United will resist any advances by the Spanish giants who cheekily hoped the Premier League side would not take up the 12-month option on Herrera's contract next summer
MANCHESTER UNITED will fight to keep Ander Herrera out of the clutches of Atleico Madrid, while they swoop for Saul Nuguez.
Herrera is out of contract next summer, but United will take up the 12-month option to extend the 28-year-old’s stay at Old Trafford.
United boss Jose Mourinho has resisted Atletico’s advances for the midfielder, who were hoping to take him on a free next summer in the unlikely event the option was not taken up.
Mourinho is a big fan of Herrera, despite the Spanish international only getting a run in the side this term following the injury to Paul Pogba.
Herrera moved to Old Trafford from Athletic Bilbao in 2014 for £29m, and his standout performances have made him an Old Trafford fans favourite.
The Pourtuguese is a long-term admirer of Niguez and is keen to add another attacking midfield option to his squad who have fallen short in the absence of Pogba who has been missing since September.
Niguez, 22 renewed his Atletico contract last summer with a staggering £134million release clause inserted.
The La Liga outfit are desperate to hold on to their star man and hope the whopping clause will ward off any potential suitors.
'GREAT ADMIRATION' What club has Ander Herrera fuelled speculation about joining by praising thier boss?
However, SunSport have been told the Spaniard is open to a switch to Old Trafford next summer if the clubs can agree a deal if United are not prepared to pay the release clause.