The Daily Rojiblanco: October 30, 2017

• Saúl in 2 for 1 transfer?!

Ok, so transfer talk gets really boring and annoying over the course of a season, as players and teams go in and out of form. But this one is just too hilarious to pass up on.

Manchester United are always at the center of transfer rumors, especially when it comes to Atlético Madrid players. While they remain interested and at the ready for Antoine Griezmann, a (dubious) report claims that Jose Mourinho has his sights set on Saúl Ñíguez as well.

Let’s treat this one as a thought experiment. According to a report from TEAMtalk citing the infamous Don Balon, the Red Devils are prepared to ship midfielders Ander Herrera and Juan Mata to Atlético in exchange for Saúl.

At face value, such a trade seems worth it considering since you’re looking at two quality players for one. However, when you consider that both Herrera and Mata are pushing 30, while Saúl is just shy of 23 and on is way to becoming one of the continent’s best midfielders, the math gets...more interesting. Further, while Herrera could be seen as a like for like switch with Saúl, I don’t know that Mata would bring enough to Atlético’s struggling attack to push this one over the edge.

At least this rumor gives us a little something to think about, which is a nice changeup from the usual. That said, it’s not happening

• Barcelona in for Griezmann

Speaking of Griezmann, Mundo Deportivo are “reporting” (see: hoping) that Barcelona are prepared to throw their hat into the ring for the Frenchman’s services. The other big Barça paper, Sport, has been peddling this rumor for months, to no avail.

Yawn.

• Koke on the path to recovery, while Carrasco remains out

Reports from training suggest that Koke is still working towards recovering from a muscular edema. The current timeline has the midfielder hoping to return to one of the matches this week.

Yannick Carrasco remains sidelined with a knee injury, without a timeline for his return.

• Atlético are training at the Vicente Calderón today in preparation for Qarabag on Tuesday. Onda Cero report that a superstitious Diego Simeone pushed for the move.
• VAR coming to LaLiga

In case you missed it, the league announced that Video Assistant Referee will be coming to LaLiga next season. LaLiga is one of the final major leagues to implement the system with the Bundesliga and Serie A adopting the technology this year.

Other topics discussed in recent league meetings include a change to the Copa del Rey format that would see the competition move from a home/away format to a single match format. (Thank goodness.)

• Atlético Femenino stay joint-top of the league after a 1-1 draw with Barcelona

Mexican international Kenti Robles scored this stunning goal to keep Atlético level with Barça on points and keep the title defense on track.

What do you think? Would you take Juan Mata and Ander Herrera for Saúl? Let us know below.