Man Utd 'leading chase' for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo after encouraging update

dailystar.co.uk:

Manchester United are reportedly leading the chase to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo with a 'large investment' in the works.Araujo, 22, has featured heavily this season for both the Catalan club and his country Uruguay, who he has seven caps for.Now into the final 18 months of his contract at the Camp Nou, he is attracting the attention of some of Europe's top clubs.Marca claim he is receiving most interest from the Premier League.And at the moment it is the Red Devils who are said to be 'bidding the strongest' for his signature to bolster their ranks.They are willing to splash the cash on him as he seems to be a centre-back who will dominate for years to come.However, their Prem rivals Man City and Chelsea are also both keen on Araujo.In fact, Pep Guardiola was this week pictured having dinner with his agent Edmundo Kabchi.Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, may have to replace three defenders in Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta this summer. Where should United spend their money this summer?

Let us know in the comments section. For their part, Barca want to tie Araujo down to a new contract, but have struggled to do so thus far.They opened talks with his representatives all the way back before the pandemic.But the financial issues they've since ran into has prevented them from wrapping up the piece of business.They have now somewhat relieved their money problem by cutting down their wage bill considerably.However, Araujo turned down their recent offer of a new and improved deal.Resolving his renewal is one of the La Liga side's priorities, and they are encouraged by the fact that he is eager to stay where he is.Whether they can match his financial demands or United can beat them remains to be.