Atletico Madrid are very keen to offload Saul Niguez as they look to get his sizeable wages off the club’s payroll, according to reports in England.

The La Liga side are said to be ready to sell the 26-year-old for around £45m this summer but, despite reports linking the Spaniard with Liverpool and Chelsea, it is Manchester United who are favourites to sign him.

Niguez has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and they could make their move for the player once they tie up a deal for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.

In terms of Liverpool’s interest, a move is still thought to be unlikely unless the Reds can raise the funds by selling another midfielder before the transfer window closes.

At the moment, it appears the Merseyside club’s main focus is on snapping up a forward to strengthen the frontline, with Xherdan Shaqiri now expected to leave Anfield after publicly stating his wish to move clubs.