Manchester United could compete with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to sign Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo, according to Record (page 16).
The Red Devils are exploring the transfer market for a left-back to compete with Luke Shaw, considering Patrick Dorgu is viewed as a left-sided winger.
Dorgu was primarily a left-back during his time at Lecce, but he has looked more adept as a winger, without the extra defensive duties.
Record today claim that United sent scouts to closely monitor Araujo during Uruguay’s 2-2 stalemate against Cape Verde at the World Cup.
Araujo has played as a left winger for his national team at the tournament, and he made his mark in the game with a goal and an assist.
The Sporting CP star also scored a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, and has certainly caught the eye of the Red Devils.
United are impressed by his ability to play at left-back or higher up as a winger.
The club are reportedly ‘tightening their grip’ on Araujo, who has also emerged as a target for Chelsea and Tottenham, as per Record.
Araujo has a £69 million release clause in his Sporting CP contract, but the Portuguese giants are prepared to sell him for £52m.
Man Utd should swoop for Araujo’s services
The 26-year-old had a fabulous individual season with Sporting CP last term. He made 13 goal contributions from 49 appearances.
He primarily played as a left-back for the Lisbon heavyweights, but also found success as a left-sided winger, scoring four goals in December.
Aside from his goal involvements, Araujo won an impressive five duels and two tackles per outing, while making an average of four recoveries.
His defensive statistics were even better in the Champions League. He was brilliant, particularly against Arsenal in the quarter-final.
Araujo won a staggering 17 duels and 12 tackles during the double-legged tie and was denied a goal by a world-class save from David Raya.
He has carried over the form to the World Cup with two goals and an assist as a left winger.
United are considering assessing whether to pursue a left-back or a left winger. In Araujo, they could find two solutions due to his versatility.
With Chelsea having recently sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £52m, they could be prepared to invest the amount straight on Araujo.
United must be proactive to beat the Blues to the highly-rated star. They could persuade him with Champions League football next term.
Shaw stayed unscathed last season with only the Premier League to concentrate on, but the extra workload could test his fitness, given his long injury record.
Araujo would be a fantastic competitor in the squad and could go on to displace the Englishman to become the undisputed left-back for United.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com