Pep Guardiola rules out Saul Niguez swoop

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that his team will not be making a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.

The 23-year-old spent time in Real Madrid's youth system between 2006 and 2008 before moving to Atletico.

The versatile midfielder has made 225 appearances for Atletico's first team since breaking through and is believed to be on the radar of a number of European clubs.

Manchester United were said to be prepared to pay £134m to sign the Spaniard, but Saul said in October that he signed a new long-term contract at Atletico, which runs until 2026, with the view to retiring at the club.

City are the latest club to be linked with the Spain international but Guardiola has officially ruled out a move.

"He is a fantastic player but we are not interested in him. He is an Atletico player and will stay there for a long time," Guardiola told reporters.

Saul has scored twice in 21 appearances for Atletico during the 2018-19 campaign.