Man Utd ‘eye Barcelona star’ to sort out defensive issues as contract runs down

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Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit to sign Barcelona star Ronald Araujo, according to reports.

The Uruguayan, 22, joined the Blaugrana in 2019 from Primera Division side Boston River in a £4million deal.

Having made his debut aged just 20, he has since gone on to become a revelation at the club by making 63 appearances in just over two years.

His performances in La Liga have cemented his place as one of football’s most exciting young defensive talents.

Yet with just 18 months left on his contract, the star could seek pastures new.

And according to Marca, he has been touted for a move to Old Trafford as United look to fix their defensive woes.

The report states that Barcelona sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff – son of legend Johan – told the press earlier this week that the club were focusing on contract renewals following the end of the winter market.

One of them is said to be defender Araujo, who has shown an immense growth in potential over the last two years.

However, his improvement has piqued the interest of Europe’s top sides, including Manchester rivals United and City.

United are said to be pushing the hardest of any team for his signature, with Araujo still not having reached an agreement with Barcelona for his new contract.

With just 18 months left, United may be alert to a new deal in the summer if Araujo is yet to commit by that point.

Contact reportedly started between Araujo’s representatives and United in 2019, although a deal has been unlikely due to financial issues for both clubs.

Barcelona apparently proposed a new contract to him, although this was turned down with the player aware that his stock is high at the moment.

United currently sit fourth in the table, having won their last two games.

They sit one point ahead of West Ham, albeit with a game in hand.

And Ralf Rangnick’s men will look to avenge their loss to Middlesbrough by winning against Burnley on Tuesday.

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