Liverpool could be about to be scuppered in the final stages of a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
Interest from the Reds has seemingly increased in recent days and according to reports in Spain a deal was becoming ever closer.
However, La Liga giants Barcelona could be set to hijack the transfer as the Catalan club offer Antoine Greizmann back to Atletico as part of a swap.
Jurgen Klopp is on the lookout for midfield additions after Gini Wijnaldum left the club as a free agent – eventually completing a move to Paris Saint-Germain having seemingly been Barca bound.
According to Mundo Deportivo, as cited by Atleti Francia on Twitter, Saul may have been closer than many realise to an Anfield switch.
Twitter:
Saúl Niguez avait “un demi-pied à Liverpool” avant que le Barça propose le troc Griezmann-Saúl.
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… https://t.co/YsRaIWDDTj (@AtletiFrancia)
Translated, the account claims that the 26-year-old had ‘half a foot in Liverpool’ before Barca approached with the potential of a Griezmann comeback.
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Signing the 19 times capped Spaniard would act as a superb immediate replacement for Wijnaldum.
Both of the sufficient quality to replicate the Dutchman, Saul also has additional versatility that would free up a range of options for Klopp.
Whilst nothing is set in stone, added competition will likely only drive the price upwards and could see the Reds bow out of any deal for the £36million valued Spaniard.
