Rumour: Liverpool have signed Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez

Saul Niguez

Liverpool have pulled off a major transfer coup by pulling off the capture of the hottest prospect in Spanish football – Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez.

Niguez, currently on loan at Rayo Vallecano, had been tipped to join David Moyes’ Manchester revolution, but there was also known interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid. The news from Merseyside is that Brendan Rogers has beaten them all to the 19 year old’s signature.

The Spanish Under-21 international has been a revelation at Vallecano this season. With a maturity beyond his years, he has grabbed games by the scruff of the neck and has been the stand out player in his relegation threatened team.

Saul is a pacey attacking midfielder, with great technical ability and a love of taking players on. The one thing that he is lacking is a deadly finish, but his role will be to provide the through balls for Suarez and Sturridge to finish off.

Liverpool manager Rodgers has been holding talks with Niguez’s father on Merseyide, and personal terms have been agreed. The only stumbling block now is the price. It is believed that Niguez has a €20M release clause, but Liverpool’s initial bid is thought to be juts over half of that. A payment of around €16M will see Saul make his move away from Atletico before the transfer window shuts. Expect to see Niguez pulling on the famous red shirt against Pepe Mel’s West Bromwich Albion next Sunday.