Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Saul Niguez and Mats Hummels Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to offer €20 million (£15.7 million) to sign Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez amid reports that 40 per cent of the central midfielder's rights were sold to investment fund Quality Football Ireland in 2011.

According to Football Leaks (h/t EFE via Marca), the deal Atleti struck with Quality Football Ireland five years ago was worth €1.5 million, but the 21-year-old's value has risen significantly as he has become a key part of manager Diego Simeone's side.

Atleti reportedly sold the same company 30 per cent of Koke's rights in 2013 for €3 million, according to Football Leaks (h/t AS via Football Espana).

The split ownership of Saul could cause United problems if they do indeed want to purchase him, as the Premier League have rules against third-party involvement, per David Conn in the Guardian.

The Old Trafford club will have to negotiate with both Atleti and Quality Football Ireland in order to buy 100 per cent of the Spaniard's rights.

He has long been linked with United, though, and could be a major asset at the club as a versatile and creative midfielder who also contributes terrifically in a defensive capacity, per the Mirror.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe and Dean Jones previously analysed how good a signing he could be for the Red Devils:

Saul is currently contracted to Atleti until 2020, and the Madrid outfit would surely be loath to let him go considering how vital he has been to their La Liga and UEFA Champions League campaigns this season.

He has made 28 La Liga appearances—scoring four goals and providing two assists—while he has netted twice and set up two in 10 Champions League matches, per WhoScored.com.

United need to make some key signings in the summer if they are to become Premier League title challengers again.

Saul could be an ideal signing, but Atleti will not let him go easily, and his shared ownership will make it an even more difficult purchase to pull off.

Elsewhere, hope remains that United may be able to sign long-term defensive target Mats Hummels in the summer after the Borussia Dortmund centre-back revealed that he has set a date to make an announcement on his future, per Sky (via DW Sports):

The Red Devils have been linked with German Hummels for more than a year, and he could be an excellent addition to join Chris Smalling in the centre of United's back four, per Jamie Jackson in the Guardian. 

The Englishman's most regular partner in 2015-16 has been an out-of-position Daley Blind and, while the Dutchman has been consistently impressive, Hummels, 27, would be an upgrade.

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An experienced campaigner—and World Cup and two-time Bundesliga winner—Hummels could be a commanding presence in the United back line.

His defensive skills and passing acumen are top-quality and, if United can bring him in during the summer, they would be even tighter at the back next season.