Manchester City and Manchester United are keeping a watchful eye on Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez’s contract negotiations, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The 25-year-old currently has a deal with the Spanish club that expires in 2026 but his release clause of €150m (£139m) makes him vulnerable from interested clubs.

Atletico have, therefore, held talks about increasing the buyout fee but it is believed that discussions have come to a standstill.

It has led to question marks over Saul’s long term future at the Wanda Metropolitano. His agent is Jonathan Barnett, who also represents Gareth Bale, and with his strong connections to Premier League clubs, a move to England has become a growing possibility.

City could well be in the market for another central midfielder in the summer, with David Silva leaving the Etihad, but with Atletico unlikely to sell Saul, they would have to pay the massive buyout clause in order to get him.