Manchester United Transfer News: Saul Niguez, Kostas Manolas, Top Rumours

Manchester United reportedly face a challenge to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez ahead of La Liga leaders Barcelona, while the Old Trafford club may miss out on Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas. 

Both players are on the United radar, but their availability has been called into question by recent reports.

First, Spanish website Fichajes.net (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star) has stated Atleti's Spanish rivals, Barca, have first refusal on Niguez. The clause in the 21-year-old's contract favours Niguez staying in Spain: "Barca demanded the option be included when David Villa was sold to Atletico in July 2013, along with former Liverpool loanee Javier Manquillo, who's made just six appearances under Diego Simeone."

This is a stipulation that was included in the player's deal when he was 18. Since then, Niguez has made tremendous strides in the Spanish capital.

Specifically, he's emerged this season as a key member of the Atletico midfield. Equal parts destroyer and box-to-box creator, Niguez has displayed a complete game, evidenced by eight goals and a pair of assists, per WhoScored.com.

That level of production has generated strong interest from England's top flight. In March, Spanish radio station Cadena Ser (h/t the Daily Mirror's Liam Corless) reported Madrid rebuffed an offer worth €30 million from United's Premier League rivals, Arsenal.

In January, Alex Terrell of the Sun stated United were hoping £15 million was enough to beat the Gunners to Niguez during the winter transfer window.

It's clear both clubs are keen on this energetic, creative and tenacious midfielder. But if Barca do have the inside track, expect Arsenal and United to be frustrated in their attempts to bring Niguez to the Premier League.

Manolas Unaware of United Interest

David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com has reported United have met with the agent of Chelsea target Manolas in the "last few days." But the player himself is denying any knowledge.

Speaking to Sky Italia (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Manolas played down the United talk: "Manchester United? I know nothing, my agent tells me nothing. I have to be focused on Roma, I still have three years on my contract. After the end of the season we will look at things together with Roma."

Riccardo De Luca/Associated Press

That United need a quality centre-back this summer is beyond question. In particular, the Red Devils require a defender more athletically impressive than Daley Blind. The Dutchman's lack of pace and imposing brawn have been exploited more than once this season.

Manolas fits the bill as a centre-back who covers ground quickly and isn't afraid to aggressively attack the ball. Paired with the generally improved Chris Smalling, Manolas would give United's back four the solid base it has missed the last three seasons.

That makes it worth the Old Trafford club's while to beat Chelsea to the Greek international.

Jose Mourinho Remains Confident of United Job

Of course, United's transfer plans will hinge on who the manager is after this season. ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney insisted former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is still confident he'll be in charge in the red half of Manchester next season.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Delaney also named some of the potential targets Mourinho will covet if he does succeed Louis van Gaal: "Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Everton's John Stones are top of Mourinho's wishlist, but he has expressed approval to the idea of signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Paris Saint-Germain should the possibility arise, and United have already initiated moves to bring in Renato Sanches from Benfica."

If John Stones and Renato Sanches are deemed priorities in this summer's transfer market, United won't mind letting Barca and Chelsea have clear paths to Niguez and Manolas.

Whether it's Mourinho or Van Gaal calling the shots, United's squad needs help at the back and in the midfield. The current rumours reflect the obvious weaknesses that have consistently undermined the club this season.