Chelsea have emerged as a leading contender to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez in “recent days” according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Blues’ interest in the Spanish international was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano last week, and it seems that the London club are pushing ahead with a move for the player.

Mundo Deportivo claim that Niguez is interested in leaving Atletico as he “wants a change of scenery” after having his demands for a wage rise turned down.

His situation has not only attracted Chelsea, though, with Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus all expected to be involved in the battle for the 26-year-old.

Any transfer will be difficult to pull off, with Atletico currently demanding around €80m (£69m), which is a steep asking price, considering the Blues are keen on signing other players this summer as well.

A move for a striker, such as Erling Haaland, has been mooted, while there are reports that another centre-back could also be signed.