That means United face a fight to land Saul.
But, if Lemar can’t be shifted from the Wanda Metropolitano, then the Red Devils have reason to be optimistic.
Atletico want to raise funds in order to sign a new striker, with Joao Felix, Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata all blowing hot and cold so far.
Meanwhile, La Liga expert Guillem Balague has previously claimed United turned down the chance to sign Saul.
And they weren’t the only side to do that, with Everton also passing on the chance to sign the Spain international.