Transfer News: Atletico Madrid tell Liverpool to up their bid for Saul Niguez amid Barcelona interest
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (h/t Liverpool Echo) Liverpool saw their £34million bid for Saul Niguez rejected by Atletico Madrid.
The La Liga champions want ‘at least’ £43million before being open to do any business with Jurgen Klopp’s side. Saul, a possible replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum at Liverpool, has the experience and versatility to force himself into our starting XI.
At 26, is also at an age where he is arguably in his prime years and can still play at the top level for a long time to come. In that regard, Atletico’s valuation could make sense.
According to The Daily Mail, Diego Simeone’s Los Colchoneros have also confirmed the £30million signing of Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese, which could pave the way for Saul to join Anfield.
Liverpool compete with Barca for Saul
But things aren’t that easy for the Reds, if The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath (h/t Liverpool Echo) is to be believed. He states that Barcelona and Atletico have started negotiations over a deal for Saul that will see Antoine Griezmann go the other way.
Saul would be a useful coup by Michael Edwards if he can agree on a deal to bring the former Rayo Vallecano midfielder to Anfield. But Barcelona can complicate things for the Reds.
Antoine Griezmann left Atletico to join Barcelona in 2019. Joining his old side would mean a return to familiar surroundings and would not require him to change countries for playing club football.
More Liverpool News:
- Transfer News: Leicester City star Youri Tielemans pushing for Liverpool move
- Liverpool beging talks with Mohamed Salah over new contract
- Transfer News: Liverpool interested in Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann
It remains to be seen if that will be a factor in any potential move, but Edwards and co must hurry up if they want the 26-year-old to partner fellow Spaniard Thiago Alcantara at Anfield next season.
