The Citizens could be spending big once again this summer to bolster their midfield.

Manchester City has reportedly identified Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez as a potential summer signing. The 24-year-old Spanish defensive midfielder is being eyed to replace Fernandinho whose current contract with the Citizens ends in 2020.

The Brazilian joined the Etihad outfit in 2013 from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth 36 million pounds and has played a massive role in the success story of Pep Guardiola's side during the period.

With City now looking to possibly fill the Brazilian's big boots, the club will be required to fork out £130 million to secure the service of Saul from Atletico as per UK tabloid The Mirror. The midfielder's enormous price-tag depicts his buyout-clause in his current nine-year contract.

In July, Saul will be two years into his contract and could, as a result, give Man City a little leverage in the negotiations. Primarily, a potential transfer could make the Spaniard the Citizen's record signing with the £60 million paid for the Riyad Mahrez now standing as the most-expensive transfer in the club's history.

Back in the summer, Pep Guardiola missed out on the recruitment of both Fred and Jorginho as the pair opted to join Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. The Spanish manager also missed out on the signing of Ajax starlet Frenkie De Jong who confirmed that he was in touch with the former Barcelona head coach after signing for the Blaugrana in January.

Aside Saul, Guardiola is said to be keeping a keen eye on Lyon pair Ndombele Tanguy as well as Houssem Aouar. Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey has also been labeled as a potential target for the current English champions with the player's manager Diego Simeone even stating that he will be a good fit for the club.