MANCHESTER UNITED are said to be "very close" to signing Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid.

The versatile midfielder can play in a variety of positions and could prove a valuable asset alongside Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes if the Red Devils can land him during the next transfer window.

The 25-year-old star sent fans into meltdown this week as he teased a major announcement regarding a new team.

But supporters were left furious after it was revealed that he was referring to a project in his hometown of Elche.

However, reports from across Europe have now claimed Manchester United are close to completing the deal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has employed a variety of formations at United this season.

And with Niguez in the team he would be able to do that with confidence.

Most systems will likely revolve around the superstar midfield trio of Niguez, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.

A 4-3-3 formation could see the three stars sit behind an attacking line of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Odion Ighalo.

If Jadon Sancho makes the move to Old Trafford this summer, expect to see him swapped in for Martial while Mason Greenwood could also see more game time up top instead of Ighalo.

A more conservative lineup could see a 4-3-1-2 with Fred – who has been impressive this season – sitting in a deeper role allowing Niguez and Fernandes on either side of a narrow three to support Pogba going forward.

While a diamond system with Scott McTominay in place of Fred could also utilise Niguez's strengths as an all round midfielder.

Niguez has a huge £130million release clause as part of his Atletico contract.

But due to a financial meltdown caused by the coronavirus, they are prepared to accept just over half of that.

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