Manchester United are reportedly becoming increasingly confident of signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez during this summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils are believed to be determined to sign a new central midfielder ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, and Saul has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

According to the Daily Star, United are planning for life after Paul Pogba and have identified Saul as the ideal player to replace the France international.

The report claims that the 20-time English champions scouted the Atletico midfielder against Liverpool earlier this month, where Diego Simeone's side secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The 25-year-old is closing in on 300 appearances for the Madrid giants in all competitions and has a contract at the Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2026.

However, there is allegedly a €150m (£135m) release clause in the midfielder's contract, which United are prepared to meet in order to bring him to the Premier League.

Barcelona are also believed to be weighing up a summer approach for the Spaniard, who operated as a centre-back earlier in his career but now features as a midfielder.