Manchester United could've signed Spain U21 star Saul Niguez for a cut-price fee three years ago.

Saul scored a hat-trick in Spain's U21 Euros semifinal win over Italy last night.

The Daily Star says United were offered the chance to take the brilliant Atletico Madrid midfielder to Old Trafford three years ago.

The 22-year-old was touted to United in 2014 when he was a promising young player still waiting to make his breakthrough with Atleti.

Saul had just completed a season on loan with Rayo Vallecano, and would have been been available on the cheap for a cut-price fee.