Man City close in on Saul Niguez deal

Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez in the summer, according to ESPN.

City look set to beat Barcelona in the race to sign the 24-year-old, who Pep Guardiola has identified as the long-term replacement for the ageing Fernandinho.

Barcelona beat the English champions to the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax, but it looks as if Guardiola may beat his former side to the signing of Saul.

Sources have told ESPN, that Barca have been notified that City have made big progress in the negotiations to take the Spain international in the summer.

Niguez has scored 3 goals in 24 La Liga appearances for Atletico this season (image via FOX Sports Asia).

Fernandinho turns 34 in May, and after some years of trying to find a suitable replacement for their excellent midfielder, they look as if they've finally got their man now.

As well as missing out on de Jong from Ajax, ESPN also say that the Citizens were interested in Fred and Jorginho prior to their moves to Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively.