Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Karim Benzema, Saul Niguez Rumours

Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, was reportedly in Milan for the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, keeping a close eye on Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema and Atletico Madrid midfield dynamo Saul Niguez.

According to Joe Bernstein and Simon Jones of the Mail on Sunday, Woodward was “meeting other agents” aside from watching the duo. It’s stated new manager Jose Mourinho is “closing in” on the signing of a star striker, with Benzema linked, as well as Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Benzema enjoyed an outstanding season, capped off by Real Madrid’s victory on penalties in Milan on Saturday. Here are some of the best moments from his campaign:

The France international is part of a forward line that clicked into gear spectacularly in 2015-16, per OptaFranz:

Bernstein and Jones reported: "United are keen to make a major statement of intent following the appointment of Mourinho." Getting Benzema through the door would be exactly that.

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He may not be quite as influential as forward partners Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the Frenchman is an outstanding foil for their talents. Benzema is physical with defenders, makes sharp movements off the ball and can take shots on either side. And while he’s a superb goalscorer in his own right, with 24 in 27 Primera Division matches this term, he creates so much space.

At United, he’d be the main man. But as noted by Bleacher Report’s Andrew Gibney, while he’s an outstanding supplement, the striker does seem to struggle when given too much responsibility:

An attacking trio of Benzema, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford would be enough to get United fans excited, though, with the former potentially a tremendous point of reference for the youngsters. However, the pair's emergence means a star centre-forward may not be a priority purchase for the new boss.

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Mourinho may see Saul as the player who could knit together his United side. The Atletico star has been in magnificent form this season and was impressive in the Milan showpiece. For manager Diego Simeone, who demands a balance of physicality and poise from players, he’d be the ideal candidate to build a team around for many years to come.

He’s not the only player with a bright future at the Vicente Calderon either, as BBC Sport’s James Gheerbrant noted after Atletico’s loss in the Champions League final:

Saul brings so much to a squad. Despite his tender years, he’s already one of the most multifaceted footballers around, able to do a variety of jobs in a plethora of positions. During his career, he’s occupied roles in defence and across midfield, bringing an energetic and effective presence to each.

His physical playing style seems tailored to the English game, and for a manager such as Mourinho, who values that steely trait, he’d be a stunning acquisition.

However, according to Ed Malyon of the Mirror, it’s unlikely the 21-year-old will be going anywhere for the time being:

And therein lies the main problem for United. Of course, with Mourinho in charge, the club has gravitas. The Red Devils also have the funds to tempt any player in world football. But they’re not in the Champions League next season, and even with the Portuguese at the helm, they will be in a battle to qualify next year.

Benzema is a key cog at Real Madrid, and the club would surely resist any offer for him, especially given the Frenchman played a part in the team’s second European Cup win in three seasons. As the crown jewel of an exciting young Atletico outfit, Saul would prove just as tough to prise away.