Manchester United 'step up pursuit' of Barcelona starlet and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are primed and ready to launch a significant bid for Barcelona star Ronald Araujo, according to reports.

Speculation over the 23-year-old centre-back's future remains high as he has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract at the Nou Camp. Having settled on Raphael Varane as a long-term partner for Harry Maguire last summer, question marks over their £80m captain have prompted links with another move in that position. Araujo is highly-rated across Europe and has played 33 times for the Catalan giants this season.

However, the Uruguay starlet is only under contract until 2023. As such, the next transfer window could be the last chance Barcelona have to cash in on him.

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Araujo is deemed to be worth around £30m. According to Sport, key figures in the Old Trafford boardroom are willing to do whatever it takes to sign him, but United face competition.

The same article credits Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City with interest. Barcelona manager Xaxi is thought to want to keep the youngster at the Nou Camp.

Elsewhere, reports from Fichajes suggest United will have to contend with a late approach from Real Madrid if they are to sign England captain Harry Kane. It comes after Kane was priced out of a high-profile switch from Tottenham to City last summer.

Initially struggling for his best form this season, Kane won Player of the Month for March in the Premier League and elite teams continue to monitor his situation.

However, even though they appear set to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free, Real have identified Kane as a target before the summer window opens. He would reportedly cost over £100m.

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