Manchester City have been given a boost in their hopes of signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez with reports claiming that Barcelona have dropped out of the race for the 25-year-old.
The Catalan giants had an agreement with Atletico that would allow them to match any bids from other clubs for the player. However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona have decided not to use that option and do not plan on making a bid for the midfielder.
Both City and Manchester United have reportedly been interested in the player in the past, but Atletico are determined to put up a fight in keeping their player when the window opens.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk