Atletico Madrid have reportedly offered Saul Niguez in exchange for Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva.

The news comes as a blow for Manchester United, who have long coveted the Atleti playmaker.

According to The Times, Atleti are prepared to send Saul in a direct swap for Portugal star Silva.

Reports have claimed Silva has wanted to leave City for over a year and would jump at the chance of playing in Spain.

Having come through the club's academy, Saul is being given the option to decide his next move.

The 26-year-old has played 337 times for his boyhood club.

Atleti chief executive Miguel Angel Gil said: "Saul is captain, he has been with the club for many seasons and therefore has earned the right to decide when and how to end his relationship with Atletico."