Man Utd are "very interested" in signing £34.7m Uruguayan star - report

Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (page 10)

The Red Devils are likely to focus on defensive reinforcements this summer. A marquee holding midfielder and a centre-back could be among the prime priorities for the hierarchy.

A new left-back could also be signed to provide quality competition to Luke Shaw. Patrick Dorgu has not quite impressed defensively at United, and his future could be as a winger.

A Bola now claim that many clubs are ‘very interested’ in landing Araujo. They go on to mention that United are keeping tabs on the left-back, along with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Sporting CP would ideally prefer to keep the 26-year-old for another 12 months, but it is claimed that they may not resist the prospect of selling him for the right price this summer.

The full-back has a £69.4 million release clause in his Sporting CP contract. The Portuguese champions would find it hard to say no if they receive an offer worth £34.7m for his services.

Araujo would be an ideal competitor for Shaw

Dorgu was signed last year to provide back-up for Shaw, but the Denmark international has looked more comfortable as a wide attacking player during the ongoing Premier League season.

He could continue in the same role next term, and the focus could be on landing a new left-back. Araujo would be an ideal signing, given that he is attack-minded and has good defensive traits.

The Uruguayan ace has made 10 goal contributions from 35 appearances for his club this term. He has likewise impressed defensively, winning six duels and two tackles per game alongside four recoveries.

He would provide the right balance in attack and defence for the Red Devils. Araujo also has a brilliant fitness record, having missed just six games for club and country since the 2019/2020 campaign.

At 26, the left-back is in the prime phase of his career. United could be prepared to agree a £34.7m package, with add-ons, for Araujo. He would be a value-for-money acquisition for the club.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .