Manchester United want Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid to take over from Michael Carrick.
According to a report in The Express the 22-year-old’s progress has caught the eye of Jose Mourinho who is looking to bring in a top class holding midfielder to bring balance to his side.
Carrick has been in outstanding form since returning to the team but is out of contract at the end of the season and will turn 36 in the summer.
Another 12 month contract extension has been discussed but Mourinho would rather bring in a long term solution than rely on the former Spurs midfielder.
Over the last 18 months Niguez has developed into a key element of Diego Simeone’s squad, excelling in last season’s run to the final of the Champions League.
Atletico have always been a selling club and would rather cash in with a big fee from an English team than see Niguez move to Barcelona or Real Madrid.