SAUL NIGUEZ blew open the Champions League semi-finals with the first and only goal of this year’s final four ties so far.
The 21-year-old beat two Bayern Munich defenders effortlessly before drifting into the penalty box and curling a pin-point finish past Manuel Neuer.
The goal was jaw-dropping, unexpected and a massive wake-up call for visitors Bayern.
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It was the midfielder’s ninth goal of the season so far and almost certainly the biggest — especially if they can hold out in Bavaria and make it through to the Milan final.
Diego Simeone has unearthed some of the best gems in European football over the past five years at the Vicente Calderon — and Saul looks to be another one of those massive talents.
But Barcelona have first option on the uncapped Spain midfielder — who has a £47million release clause.
After David Villa moved to Atleti for the 2013-14 season, Barca set up an agreement which allows them to cherry-pick a first refusal on any player in Simeone’s squad.
Sources close to the Catalan giants suggest Saul is the man they have their eye on, even though Barca were reluctant to make overtures over a particular player at the time.
The news will surely alert the likes of Manchester City, whose new manager Pep Guardiola was just yards away from his winner, as well as Chelsea, who are both in the market to develop their squads in the summer.
Saul has a deal at the club until 2020 but if the Rojiblancos receive an offer at any point for the player, Barca have the option to raise it.
The other player Barca have an option is former Liverpool loanee Javi Manquillo — but after Saul’s latest performance the spotlight is firmly on him.
Saul also looks to be making a late bid for Vicente del Bosque’s La Roja squad traveling to France this summer.
Should he have a big tournament there for Spain, his value could rocket even higher than the £47m already mooted.
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