MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool are interested in signing Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo, according to reports.
Both North West sides are keen to bolster their defences, with the Uruguayan fitting the bill.
Araujo, 22, is set to have just a year remaining on his contract come the end of this season.
According to ESPN, Barca have made extending his deal a ‘priority’.
Talks have taken place between the player’s agents and club chiefs, but they are yet to come close to agreeing a deal.
The report adds, however, that there is a desire to get a deal done on both sides.
Should Barcelona not the stump up the cash, they could lose the centre-back to the Premier League.
‘Several’ teams have contacted Araujo’s representatives amid transfer speculation – with Man United and Liverpool keen.
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The Red Devils want to sign Araujo, with skipper Harry Maguire having received plenty of criticism in recent weeks.
While Liverpool would also like to strengthen their back line.
Araujo joined Barca in 2018 from Uruguayan side Boston River for an initial £1.4million, with another £2.9m set to come in bonuses.
He enjoyed a breakout season last time out under Ronald Koeman, making 33 appearances.
And the 6ft 2in ace has continued to be a regular under Xavi.
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