Manchester United remain “interested” in securing the services of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford over the past few months and it appears the Red Devils are serious about signing the centre-back.
Aston Villa have been mentioned as potential suitors for Araujo (and his teammate Jules Kounde) over the last few days.
However, Mundo Deportivo claim that the Villans are not in contention to buy the Uruguayan international, with United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea thought to be the only teams pursuing the player.
Barca are reluctant to sell Araujo
The centre-half is deemed to be an important member of the La Liga side’s first-team squad, and they have even attempted to extend his contract, but the club are facing financial difficulties.
If they do receive a big enough bid for Araujo over the course of the summer transfer window, they would have to seriously consider it.
Previous reports have mentioned an asking price of around €100m (£85m). That is a sizeable sum and it remains to be seen if United would be prepared to pay that much for the Uruguayan.
United are looking to strengthen their backline
Erik ten Hag’s side will lose Raphael Varane when he leaves on a free transfer at the end of next month so replacing the France international is top of the agenda.
The likes of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato are all names that have been suggested as potential options in recent weeks.
All of those players are expected to be available for fees lower than Araujo so it would be a surprise if the Barcelona star ends up being the Red Devils’ top target.
