Has Diego Simeone confirmed the player wanted by Barcelona will leave Atletico Madrid?

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is speaking highly of his player Saul Niguez who is wanted away from the Spain capital by top clubs including Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United, further fueling speculation he could leave the club.

Saul has a contract till 2026 having signed an incredible nine years contract in 2017 but is open to leaving. Multiple reports from the Spanish media last week reported a swap deal with Barcelona to bring back former player Antoine Griezmann collapsed.

"You know better than anyone what Saul has asked and looked for. We have known him for eight years. He has shared a lot of time with us," Simeone told Marca about Saul. "What empowered him to be what he was is his ability to play in different places, and when his level dropped, the same thing was used against him.

"But this is not the case, this does not go against him. They are [just] moments. After so much time, players need air and after so many years, the last season was more difficult for him."

Manchester United reportedly want Saul as a replacement if Paul Pogba leaves while Atletico Madrid has already signed Copa America winner Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese.