Manchester United battle City for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo - Paper Round

United battle City for Araujo The Mirror reports that Manchester United and cross-town rivals Manchester City are going to face off for the chance to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. The 22-year-old Uruguayan international is out of contract next summer and both Manchester teams are keen to sign the player, though Pep Guardiola was recently spotted having dinner with his agent.

Ad/> /> TransfersArsenal to spend £180m on Isak, Neves and Calvert-Lewin — Paper RoundYESTERDAY AT 06:49 Paper Round’s view: The talks between Guardiola and his agent might be innocent, but any player would be tempted to link up with the best coach in the world, and joining City is an almost guaranteed title over the course of a contract. The only hope for United is that Araujo thinks he can get more game time with the poor competition on offer at Old Trafford, which is hardly a great argument.

Read the full story Dembele turned down Barcelona exit Ousmane Dembele turned down the chance to leave Barcelona on a free transfer according to Spanish newspaper Marca. The winger was given the option to terminate his contract so that Barcelona would not have to deal with his presence over the coming months, and the club are still considering unilaterally ending the contract with the 24-year-old French international.

/> Paper Round’s view: Dembele has not enjoyed the easiest of times at Barcelona and after problems with discipline and injury, having his contract cancelled would leave him, potentially, with nowhere to train for the next six months. He would probably find somewhere to stay fit, but it is in everyone's interest now to find a place for him in the first team squad over the next few months.