Manchester United Transfer News: Saul Niguez Bid Considered Amid Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a sensational £54 million bid for Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez.

According to Dominic King and Pete Jenson in the Daily Mail, the bid will meet his release clause and the player could become "part of the new era under Jose Mourinho," whose agent, Jorge Mendes, has a stake in the company that partially owns the Spaniard's image rights, Quality Football Ireland.

Niguez—who can play as a box-to-box midfielder, out wide and even at centre-back—has netted nine goals and assisted four more for Los Rojiblancos this season, and before joining up with Spain squad for UEFA Euro 2016, he will be tasked with helping his side beat bitter rivals Real Madrid in Saturday's UEFA Champions League final.

Here are some of his highlights from this season:

With the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Koke ahead of him, Saul has primarily joined in with Atletico's pressing game and focused on reclaiming the ball rather than creating. According to Squawka, the 21-year-old won an impressive 68 tackles and 78 headed duels in La Liga this season, as well as making 56 interceptions and 54 clearances.

He's capable of much more than that, though, thanks to his excellent technique and ability to beat players—something he showcased with his stunning strike against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.

The goal brought him into the wider consciousness of European football fans, but as Bleacher Report UK's Karl Matchett noted, he has been shining for some time:

Before Saul signed his new deal with Atletico earlier in May, Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe and Dean Jones discussed how he would make an exceptional signing for United:

Tighe also believes he is a better candidate for the Red Devils than the Bayern-bound Renato Sanches:

However, the youngster recently signed a lengthy new deal to stay at the Vicente Calderon, per Bleacher Report UK:

While the club would have no choice but to accept a bid if it meets his release clause, there's no guarantee the player would be interested in the offer. Saul is a fan favourite at Atletico and will be able to play in the Champions League there next year, so a move away seems unlikely.

Meanwhile, King and Jenson also reported the Red Devils have "made initial enquiries about a deal for Roma defender Kostas Manolas," who is valued at £30 million.

The centre-back has stood out in recent seasons, not just in the Italian capital but in Serie A as a whole, so he'd be a strong capture for any side hoping to add more solidity at the back.

Despite conceding the joint-fewest goals in the Premier League this year (35), with Phil Jones often injured and midfielder Daley Blind forced to provide cover for the majority of the campaign, it's clear there's room at Old Trafford for a top defensive addition or two, and Manolas could be one such signing.