Man United willing to pay up to £68m for Barcelona star after club have made U-turn on their decision

Man United willing to pay up to £68m for Barcelona star after club have made U-turn on their decision

Manchester United are willing to pay up to £68 million to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo this summer, according to Spanish publication Sport.

The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new central defender with Raphael Varane expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of June.

Araujo has been highlighted as one of the prime targets and Sport (page 2) claim that the club are prepared to pay up to £68m to sign him.

However, a deal appears unlikely to materialise with Barcelona no longer aiming to sanction his sale.

The Catalan giants need a big-money exit before June 30 to balance their books and Araujo was recently earmarked as the ideal candidate to leave.

The scenario has now changed with new manager Hansi Flick making it clear that he wants to keep him and the club should sell other defenders.

Barcelona have also agreed to the German’s request and will step up contract talks with the Uruguayan.

The Red Devils need a strong ball-playing centre-back to replace Varane. Araujo would be a perfect fit. He is currently in the prime of his career at 25.

However, we don’t see a deal happening anymore. Flick was recently appointed to replace Xavi. The Blaugrana are likely to back his transfer decision.

Hence, United need to move on to alternative targets. The club need a right-footed centre-back and there are plenty of young options for a similar price tag.

Ousmane Diomande is up for sale amid financial concerns for Sporting. The Ivorian sensation could be available for a package of £51m, as per Record.