Barcelona will not rival Manchester United for Saul Niguez

Barcelona will not rival Manchester United for Saul Niguez despite their first right of refusal on the Atletico Madrid midfielder, claims Mundo Deportivo.

Saul has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent weeks after being earmarked as a top midfield target by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United were eyeing a £90m move for the Spain international but have since discovered it will take triggering the midfielder's stunning €150m (£131.2m) release clause to land him this summer.

The Red Devils can at least take solace from the fact Barcelona are not in race for the 25-year-old's signature, as they are prioritising other players in the transfer market.

Last October Barcelona reached a €15m (£13.2m) agreement with Atletico to have the right of first refusal on five of their players, including Saul. 

However, Barcelona have limited financial wiggle-room this summer and plan to invest what money they have on the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Neymar from Inter and PSG, respectively.

It leaves United with a clear run at Saul's signature, albeit they will still have to shatter their club-transfer record to prise him from Atletico.

All 10 of Saul's career Champions League goals have been the opening goal of the game, illustrating his reputation as a big game player.