Manchester United are interested in signing Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, according to reports. Since joining the Nou Camp in 2019, the centre-back has excelled. Manchester United could wait until the summer to bid for Ronald Araujo. United have been tracking Araujo for some time, and Erik ten Hag’s need for a new defender has been obvious for some weeks.

 The Red Devils have queried about Araujo’s availability and have been told he will cost £69 million this month, according to transfer expert Florian Plettenberg.

That means United may have to wait until the summer to make a bid for the Brazilian, who is also said to be attracting interest from Bayern Munich.

The two clubs could face off later this year, however, Araujo is allegedly willing to stay at Barcelona.

He is thought to have rejected United’s approaches, meaning they may have to pursue other alternatives.

Several centre-backs, including Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. The Frenchman is a long-term target of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, who signed him for Nice in 2021. 
Ratcliffe has taken over the football operations at United and is thought to be planning four transfers.

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Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton’s centre-back, and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise have emerged as key targets. 
United are also interested in signing a right-back, and they adore Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.