Manchester United have targeted two of the top talents of Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid as part of Jose Mourinho’s plan to construct a squad capable of returning the Old Trafford club to the summit of the European game.

In addition to France forward Antoine Griezmann, the Premier League club have expressed their interest in recruiting Spain midfielder Saul Niguez. Though the pair possess release clauses totalling £145m on contracts that were renewed last summer and run until 2021, United believe they will be able to negotiate transfer fees down from the buyout figures and are willing to wait for the close season to do deals.

Saul, 22, is an archetypal Mourinho midfielder: tall, athletic and very mobile. He can play anywhere across the centre