What scouts told Man United about the £68m Uruguayan star

Rumors suggest Manchester United are prepared to spend big on Michael Carrick’s midfield and backline reinforcements this summer.

It’s no secret that the Red Devils have their sights set on several big-money targets in the middle of the park, but tracking those targets was not without its complications.

It’s very much the summer of the Premier League midfielder, with prices reaching frustrating levels for everyone involved.

Manchester City just paid a record £116m to sign Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson, Newcastle United want suitors to pay £100m for Sandro Tonali and West Ham have set an asking price of £85m for Matheus Fernandes.

Man United have already spent just under £40m to sign Ederson from Atalanta and will consider their options. It’s not just the midfield that they are aiming to strengthen. Old Trafford officials are also eyeing an upgrade for Luke Shaw as he approaches the age of 31.

Manchester United send officials in race to sign £68m star

People at Old Trafford reportedly watched Uruguayan left-back Maxi Araujo play against Cape Verde, with scouts coming away with praise for his performance despite the 2-2 draw.

As reported by Portugal’s Record and Sport Witness, Man United have accelerated their move and sent officials to fend off rival suitors.

However, like most of this summer’s sales, it doesn’t come cheap. Araujo reportedly has a release clause worth €80m (about £68m), but Sporting CP are said to be willing to open negotiations for around €60m (about £51m) in a slight boost for the Red Devils.

In terms of quality, Aruajo may finally be the man to take over the torch from Shaw. The 26-year-old is a top-notch player who has already impressed scouts on the biggest stage.

Manchester United in race to sign Araujo

As has been the case all summer so far, Manchester United face plenty of competition for one of their top targets. In addition to them, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing Araujo.

Chelsea will be a team to watch in particular. The Blues have just lost Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and are in a more desperate position than Man United at left-back.

The Stamford Bridge side have already had no hesitation in spending big on right-back Marco Palestra this summer, and could look to spend big on another full-back before the end of the transfer window.

For Manchester United, signing Araujo would represent a long-term solution at left-back and could potentially move them up a notch above their Premier League rivals. This is a deal that INEOS should put all its effort into.

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