Man Utd ‘open talks for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo but face £69m transfer battle with European giants’

MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Barcelona star Ronald Araujo, according to reports.

The centre-back has impressed since his 2019 move to the Nou Camp.

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Manchester United could wait until summer to bid for Ronald Araujo[/caption]

United have monitored Araujo for some time and Erik ten Hag’s need for a new defender has been apparent for several weeks.

The Red Devils have enquired about Araujo’s availability and have been told he will cost £69million this month, reports transfer guru Florian Plettenberg.

That means United might wait until the summer to make a move for the Brazilian, who is also understood to have attracted interest from Bayern Munich.

The two clubs could battle it out later this year though Araujo is reportedly keen to stay at Barcelona.

He is believed to have rejected United’s advances which mean they may have to pursue other targets.

A host of centre-backs have been linked with a switch to Old Trafford including Nice ace Jean-Clair Todibo.

The Frenchman is a long-term target and is a player well-known by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, who bought him for Nice in 2021.

Ratcliffe has taken control of the football operations at United and is said to be lining up four transfers.

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Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as a key target along with Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

United are also keen to sign a right-back and admire Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong.