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Saul Niguez to Manchester United: Jose Mourinho could trigger midfielder's £54m release clause

Atletico Madrid midfielder among targets being considered by incoming manager

Thursday 26 May 2016 16:07 BST

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Manchester United are considering triggering a £54m release clause to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, according to reports.

With Jose Mourinho on the verge of taking over as manager at Old Trafford attention is turning to who he will try to sign as he looks to revitalise the club.

Among those of interest to Mourinho is Saul who has consistently impressed for Atletico Madrid since breaking into the side under manager Diego Simeone. His solo goal against Bayern Munich in the semi-final of the Champions League helped send his side to this weekend's final in Milan whilst simultaneously announcing his talents to the world.

The Spaniard only recently agreed fresh terms with the club at which point a release clause of £54m was inserted into his contract.

For a player of just 21-years of age that kind of fee will be considered a risk by Manchester United. However the signing of Anthony Martial last summer - for a potential £58m - showed that the club are willing to put their faith in youngsters. In addition, in the case of Saul he may be young but he already has great experience having played regularly in La Liga and Champions League.

Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?

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1/5Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?

Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?

Juan Mata

You have to feel sorry for the Spaniard. After winning Chelsea’s Player of the Year award twice on the bounce, he saw himself shipped out of Stamford Bridge in the January following Mourinho’s return. The former Real Madrid and Internazionale boss simply did not fancy him. Now, he finds himself at Mourinho’s mercy once again. In fairness, although he can be the side’s stand-out player on his day, Mata has struggled to consistently make the most of his considerable ability. It could be best for all parties if United cash in.

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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?

Ryan Giggs

Overlooked for the main job after David Moyes’ departure, Giggs is now facing an effective demotion, according to widespread reports. Mourinho wants long-time side-kick Rui Faria to be his assistant, which would leave Giggs with merely a coaching role. He has seen fellow members of the Class of ’92 fly the nest to forge a career in coaching. It would be wise for him to do the same.

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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?

Daley Blind

Blind would have liked Van Gaal to stay at Old Trafford

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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?

Sir Bobby Charlton

The first meeting between Mourinho and the club’s ambassadors may be an awkward affair, especially when he ends up swapping phatic talk with United’s greatest icon. Sir Bobby Charlton previously cast doubt on the Portuguese’s suitability for the Old Trafford role. Speaking about Mourinho’s eye-gouging of Tito Vilanova, Charlton said: "A United manager wouldn't do that. Mourinho is a really good coach but that's as far as I would go really. “He pontificates too much for my liking,” he added. “He's a good manager, though." It was, probably, the only time that Charlton has publicly questioned another person’s character. Now, he finds that same man in charge of his football club.

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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?

Sir Alex Ferguson

Much has been made of the friendship between Ferguson and Mourinho, although it’s hard not to believe that some tensions exist between the two. Both have always done their best to stress their respect for each other but Mourinho was hurt when he was overlooked for the job in 2014. Ferguson, of course, recommended Moyes. He also has hardly been forthcoming in support for the Portuguese, but did say that Louis van Gaal should be given time in the job and even offered help to Giggs, in case his former charge took the big job.

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The player's versatility - he tends to play in central midfield or on the wing - is also an appealing factor for Mourinho.

Saul is one of a number of targets that could be at Old Trafford next season, with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on Mourinho's wishlist and Zlatan Ibrahimovic close to joining.

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