Manchester United has identified the ideal partner for Bruno Fernandes as the Red Devils directors aim to pair the Portuguese star with the right player in the centre of the pack.

Manchester United have lined up Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez as a replacement for Paul Pogba, according to The Daily Star.

Manchester United send scouts to watch the Spanish midfielder in the clash against Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano in the Champions League and the report was positive.

The 25-year-old is considered one of Spain’s best midfielders and has played 19 times for his national side, scoring three goals.

However, there is a huge gap between his market value of £82 million and that £135 million release clause.

One potential chink in the Spanish club’s armour is that Saul’s contract is reportedly 40% owned by a third party, Quality Football, led by superagent Jorge Mendes and former United CEO Peter Kenyon.