Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez's father says his son is happy where he is at the moment despite being aware of speculation of interest from Manchester United -- while confirming that the youngster's release clause is set at €45 million.
Saul, 21, has become an important part of Atletico's first team in recent months after winning over the confidence of Colchoneros coach Diego Simeone.
An impressive run of performances, including three goals in his last seven appearances, as Atletico have moved top of the Liga table has led to speculation that Premier League giants Manchester United are to bid for the youngster who is represented by Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes.
Former Elche player Jose Antonio Niguez told Deportes Cope that talk about a move was just in the media and his son was happy to currently be an important member of an Atletico side challenging for the Spanish title.
"I just heard about this through the newspapers and the TV, we knew nothing," Niguez senior claimed. "He has always said he wants to succeed at Atletico Madrid. Saul's release clause is €45m. The kid is happy at the club, they are counting on him, the team is doing well, top of La Liga. A lot of things would have to happen for him to leave."
Spain under-21 international Saul was linked with moves to Valencia and other clubs when spending a lot of time on the bench during the 2014-15 campaign.
Niguez senior admitted that his son had thought about a move at times in the past, but the situation had now changed for the better at Atletico -- with Saul having started all of the team's La Liga and Champions League games since more experienced midfielder Tiago was injured in late November.
"The coach is counting on him, he has his confidence," he said. "Logically things change radically, because a player aged 21 who is not playing, he needs to look at other things. If he is not playing, it is logical for him not to be happy. But at the moment everything has changed, he is very happy with what is happening with the team, he is playing, and the team is doing well."
Last summer Saul signed a long-term contract at Atletico tying him to the Calderon club until June 2020.