Man Utd still want to sign 25yo South American star, UCL giants prepared to sell for £46m - report
Manchester United are still interested in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to Spanish publication Sport (page 7).
The Uruguay international returned from a lengthy hamstring injury last month, but he has since made just one appearance for the Blaugrana.
The centre-back had been an undisputed starter, but he is now behind Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the pecking order under manager Hansi Flick.
There is also competition from Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen, and the club could sign Jonathan Tah on a free transfer when the season ends.
Araujo has opened the door for a winter exit. United were keen on signing Araujo last summer before his hamstring injury on Copa America duty with Uruguay.
The Red Devils are still interested in the 25-year-old, but it is unclear whether the sporting project fits into the defender’s plans.
Barcelona reportedly want £46 million to part ways with Araujo.
United are unlikely to invest in another centre-back this winter
The Red Devils strengthened their central defensive department last summer with the big-money signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.
Yoro picked up a foot injury in pre-season, but the teenager has impressed on his return. He made a stunning late tackle on Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez last weekend.
De Ligt took time to adapt to the Premier League, but he has become a key player in the back three under manager Ruben Amorim.
Noussair Mazraoui has impressed on the right side of a three-man defence. He has been a revelation since his move from Bayern Munich.
Harry Maguire has also emerged as an essential player for the manager. He has caught the eye with his aerial presence at the back.
Araujo would be a superb acquisition with his strong distribution, aerial presence and ability to clear his lines, but a deal appears improbable.
Barcelona are holding out for a permanent transfer and are not keen on negotiating a loan deal.
With United eager to avoid breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), they are unlikely to compete with other suitors for his signature.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
Article written by Sri Aswin .