Manchester United may be set to rival Chelsea for the signature of Atlético Madrid midfielder Saúl Ñiguez.
It comes with news that the reigning Spanish league champions are prepared to allow Ñiguez to leave on a season long loan before the transfer window closes next Tuesday.
Chelsea were widely regarded as one of the front-runners to sign him, if Thomas Tuchel decides that his squad needs more depth in central midfield.
But United are also an interested party, although they continue to be linked as well with Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes.
Ñiguez came through the academy system at Atlético and helped Diego Simeone’s side win the title last season. Howeevr, his long-term future at the club has been in question for some time, and they may be prepared to loan him out to make room in their squad for others.
He was a surprise omission from the Spanish squad for this summer’s Euros.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.