Manchester United 'following £87million Barcelona star' and more transfer rumours

Manchester United are 'following in the footsteps' of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to reports in Spain.

United have been linked with a number of central defenders in recent weeks with Erik ten Hag keen to lower the age profile in that area of the squad. Three of the four options will be at least 30 come July and The Manchester Evening News understands that Raphael Varane is one of five players who could be up for sale next month.

And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's Araujo is among the options currently being eyed by United. The 24-year-old would fit the bill for Ten Hag and has been in excellent form for Xavi's side, but Bayern Munich are also keen and seemingly further ahead in their pursuit.

The Bundesliga side are already said to have seen an offer rejected for a January move, but plan to return next summer and would be willing to spend up to €100million (around £87m). Barcelona are also working hard to try and extend the Uruguayan's contract, which currently expires in 2026.

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Elsewhere, another report from Spain - this time AS - suggests that Varane would be open to a Real Madrid return if the La Liga side come back in for him.

As previously mentioned, Varane could be up for sale in January and is thought to have attracted interest from his former side. Madrid are in the midst of a defensive crisis, with Eder Militao and David Alaba both out for the season with anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Whether Carlo Ancelotti's side do come back for their former defender remains to be seen but reports in Spain suggest a move could materialise.