Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone insists he's happy to keep hold of Saul Niguez.

Saul is a target for Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool this summer having spent more than a decade at Atletico.

Simeone told AS: "Last season he (Saul) spoke with the club, with us about his needs and what he spoke about the option of having a place on the field where he feels more important.

"And I consider that Saul became Saul by playing everywhere, he or many of those around him see it as something negative.

"He is very important for Atletico because he can play as a full-back, right wing, midfielder, as a double middle. He gives us a lot of situations to be able to count on him. He is a player who in that version and playing what the coach needs, performs very well."

The Argentine manager went on: 'We cannot put aside what is rumored and talked about.

"If he has to go out, a big hug, wish him the best with the boys who gave us life and to continue being friends, as always. Either to Barcelona or elsewhere."