Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul has jumped to the top of Pep Guardiola‘s wishlist for the summer transfer window, according to The Mirror.

Manchester City would have to pay a fee more than twice their current transfer record to sign the 24-year-old, who reportedly has a release clause of £130million in his contract.

However, having impressed since breaking into Atletico’s first-choice XI during the 2015-16 season, Saul has become one of the most coveted midfield players in Europe.

With midfield lynchpin Fernandinho ageing – at 33 his powers have begun to wane, though he remains a vital member of Guardiola’s team – City have been searching for a replacement for over a year, missing out on midfielders Jorginho and Fred to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively last summer.

Spain international Saul has seemingly been identified as the ideal target as Guardiola looks to strengthen an already formidable squad that is still fighting on four fronts this season: the League Cup, FA Cup, Champions League and Premier League.