Atletico Madrid Youngster Saul Niguez Linked with Liverpool Move

If you thought the start of the transfer window was silly, things are about to get even nuttier as the end of the month quickly approaches. Although Liverpool haven’t given up hope in their pursuit of Mohamed Salah, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club are looking at alternatives — one of them rumoured to be Saul Niguez.

The 19-year old, who’s currently plying his trade on-loan from Los Rojiblancos at Rayo Vallecano, has been the subject of some speculation since the window window opened and rumour has it that Rodgers has met with the Atletico Madrid midfielder’s dad with a view to a move before Friday. Sounds a bit suspect, to be fair, but with the recent injury crisis at Anfield the club could be spurred into splashing the cash on some decent replacements as qualification for the Champions League hangs in the balance.

According to the Mirror — yes, that makes it even more suspect — the Reds will have scouts watching the powerful midfielder when he takes on parent club Atletico later today. Niguez, who has a release clause of £20mil built into his contract, is apparently looking for a move this winter with his future at the La Liga giants uncertain. While the starlet has a number of sides vying for his signature, Liverpool look to offer the most immediate route to first team football, and if their league form continues, a shot at playing in the Champions League next season.

An offer of £12mil could tempt Atletico into letting go of the promising youngster, but that will depend on what the Reds scouts think of the midfielder during today’s match — and whether or not this is just a pile of malarkey. Either way, at the moment, we have two first team midfielders fit; a 19-year old wonder kid would be a serious upgrade no matter how you slice it.