Catalan media say Barça keen on signing Atlético's Saúl
As his stock continues to rise, especially with recent starring roles for Spain, Barcelona-based press say LaLiga champions are eyeing up a move.
Back in 2013, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid agreed that David Villa would swap the blaugrana shirt for the rojiblanco. Ever since, those at the Camp Nou have been keeping a close eye on some of those players that have stood out at Atleti. Among those stars of recent times, Saúl Ñíguez, a player that has been on the Barça radar for some time.
Barça wanna call Saúl
Mundo Deportivo opens its Thursday edition focused on the 23-year-old Spaniard. The man of the moment - after important goals against England and Croatia for the national side - states that Barça have been "sounding out Saúl", indicating that there is a "preferential option" and that the club had already tried to sign him in 2016 and 2017. The paper also points to the fact that the player "has a release clause of 150 million euros and a contract until 2026".
Sport, also look at names that could reinforce the Barça midfield, and suggest that the club are in "pole position for [Frenkie] De Jong" with talks progressing on the Ajax player as a "priority for next summer". They accept, however, that it's likely to be an expensive operation.