Manchester United are reportedly frontrunners ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign midfielder Saul Niguez on a loan deal from Atletico Madrid. 

United have had Saul on their radar for some time, but Chelsea have made significant progress in discussions with Atletico over the past 24 hours after making a late move for him.

However, it is United who remain in pole position to sign Saul according to AS, who are reporting that the midfielder is now 'very close' to sealing a move away from Atletico.  

The report claims United have agreed a loan deal which would see them pay a fee up front and the entirety of Saul's wages. 

It is not yet clear if an obligation-to-buy clause has been included in the deal, though AS suggested one could be involved, having claimed Saul is set to leave Atletico 'for good' and that his 'future is in the Premier League'.

Saul, who is valued at around £38million by Atletico, has started both of their matches so far this season despite being made available to clubs around Europe at the start of the summer window. 

United have been monitoring his situation all summer and appear to be closing in on their man, with Chelsea needing to trim down their squad before they can push ahead with a deal for him.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was warned at the weekend that he is lacking 'quality' and 'creativity' in central midfield areas, so will be delighted if United can get the transfer over the line before next week's deadline.

United legend Roy Keane expressed concerns about their midfield after Solskjaer's men were held to a frustrating draw at Southampton last Sunday and was also critical of Fred for failing to prevent Southampton's opening goal.

'There was certainly one or two question marks,' Keane said of United's performance.

'I go back to the lads in the middle of the park, not enough creativity, not enough quality. United will be disappointed with a draw but Southampton deserve credit.' 

Speaking about Fred's role in Southampton's goal, he added: 'Fred and Maguire have to do more when someone comes into your area.

'Fred, you've got to be ready to nail him and he just dangles a leg. He's unlucky with the deflection but he's got to do more, he's got to do better than that.'