Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel “did not” want to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez on loan in the summer, according to Cadena SER.

The Spanish radio station also controversially claim that it was only done as a “favour” to Niguez’s agent Jonathan Barnett, who also manages the likes of Ben Chilwell and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Niguez wanted to leave Atletico at all costs, leaving Barnett with the task of finding a club for his player. He eventually engineered a move to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closed, after the Spaniard was also linked with Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool.

It is believed that the Blues have no intention of triggering their option to buy Niguez, with there still being a possibility that he could be sent back in January.

However, Atletico don’t want him either, due to his high salary, and Cadena SER say the task now is for the player to find another club “as soon as possible” so he is in with a chance of making Spain’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.