Atlético Madrid are prepared to lower Saúl Ñíguez’s asking price to £85 million, putting Manchester United and other Premier League clubs on alert.

The Spain international midfielder has a buy-out clause of around £125m but his club will agree to let him go for less if he wants to leave the the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium when the transfer window opens.

United have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add competition in central midfield. Chelsea have also followed Ñíguez’s progress since establishing himself in Atlético’s first team.

Atlético tied Ñíguez to a nine-year contract when he helped his club reach the Champions League semi-finals and had Europe’s big clubs looking to sign him. They were also subject to a transfer ban and needed to keep him at the time.

But should Ñíguez wish to leave for the Premier League, Atlético will now let him depart after playing his entire senior career for them.