Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has caused a stir after posting a rather cryptic tweet that he will announce a 'new club' in three days.

The Spain international was heavily linked with a £70million move to Manchester United, particularly before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the 25-year-old - who has played 37 times for Diego Simeone's men this season and scored four goals - insisted he would not reveal his cards until that 72-hour period was over. 

To tease a new club on Twitter three days in advance for a player of Saul's stature would be an unprecedented move.

And despite reports of a departure surfacing and intensifying during the season, it is not believed any transfer is close to completion.

His announcement is therefore unlikely to follow in the footsteps of former team-mate Antoine Griezmann, who announced last summer that he was leaving Atletico after five years at the club by posting a video on the social media platform. 

Sportsmail revealed last month that Atletico could have been forced to sell Saul alongside fellow midfielder Thomas Partey if the season did not finish its course, as the club would have faced an £88m loss of Champions League cash.

But Atletico's fears appear to have been eased after LaLiga clubs were given the green light to begin full training from Monday ahead of a proposed return to action on Thursday, June 11.

Despite a move to the Premier League or anywhere else not believed to be close, it hasn't prevented United legends from urging the club to sign the Spaniard.

Earlier this month, former defender Rio Ferdinand called on Saul to be brought in to Old Trafford alongside Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho and Napoli centre back Kalidou Koulibaly to take Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to the next level.