Simeone admits Niguez wants key role amid Liverpool and Man Utd interest

Diego Simeone has insisted that Saul Niguez is still integral to Atletico Madrid but accepted that the midfielder is unhappy at his current role.

The Spain international is a target for Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool this summer having spent more than a decade at Atletico.

Simeone spoke about how Saul, who could leave for £34m, has become disillusioned by his role in the team as a utility player.

He told AS: 'Last season he (Saul) spoke with the club, with us about his needs and what he spoke about the option of having a place on the field where he feels more important.

'And I consider that Saul became Saul by playing everywhere, he or many of those around him see it as something negative.

'He is very important for Atlético because he can play as a full-back, right wing, midfielder, as a double middle. He gives us a lot of situations to be able to count on him. He is a player who in that version and playing what the coach needs, performs very well.'

The Argentine manager went on: 'We cannot put aside what is rumored and talked about.

'If he has to go out, a big hug, wish him the best with the boys who gave us life and to continue being friends, as always. Either to Barcelona or elsewhere.'

Versatility is one of Saul's strengths but seems to have worked against him in that he wants a specific, defined role and is willing to move away to achieve it.

Barcelona were interested in a swap deal involving a return for Antoine Griezmann but the chances of pulling it off appear slim as the Frenchman would have to take a pay cut.

Liverpool are searching for a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum but require the sale of fringe players before making a move, while United's interest in Saul is long held.

He was watched regularly by Old Trafford scouts as a teenager and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is monitoring the situation closely.

Saul currently earns £300,000-a-week and Atletico are not averse to removing his huge wage from the books despite his contribution to the team.

His agent confirmed that Liverpool and United have been in contact and the arrival of Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese has shunted him further down the pecking order.