Liverpool have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.

What's the story?

According to Spanish outlet Marca (as reported by The Mirror), Bayern Munich have won the race to secure the 26-year-old's signature this summer, agreeing a fee in the region of £68m.

The report states that Atleti are confident that a deal taking Saul to the Bundesliga champions can be completed soon, handing Jurgen Klopp a huge setback in his summer transfer plans.

Klopp will be gutted

With Gini Wijnaldum expected to depart Anfield in the coming days, signing a top-quality replacement for the Dutch international is thought to be high up on Liverpool's wish lift.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an incredibly successful five-year stint with the Reds, making 237 appearances, winning the Premier League title and the Champions League in the process. His departure will leave a significant gap in Klopp's midfield, and the Liverpool manager will surely be gutted to miss out on one of his top targets.

Saul has been linked with a move to the Premier League for many years, with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand signing the Spain international's praises 12 months ago.

"What a player. I've been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now. I think he's a major player. Composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he's very aware," the 42-year-old said during an Instagram Live video (as reported by Sports Mole).

Ferdinand added: "You can see (Diego) Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up, and he's in the middle orchestrating and dictating things."

However, it seems as though Bayern have beaten off significant competition to secure the dynamic midfielder's services.

The German giants are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of Julian Naglesmann's maiden campaign in charge at the Allianz Arena, and the addition of Saul to the Bundesliga champions' engine room will be a fantastic first signing for the young coach.

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