What scouts told Man Utd about the £68m Uruguay star

Rumors suggest that Manchester United are ready to spend this summer to strengthen Michael Carrick’s midfield and back.

It’s an open secret that the Red Devils are targeting big money in the middle of the park, but the pursuit of those goals has not been without problems.

It seems to be the summer of the midfielder in the Premier League and that has seen prices reach frustrating levels for all concerned.

Manchester City recently paid a British record £116m to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while Newcastle United are tipping off suitors to pay £100m for Sandro Tonali and West Ham have set an £85m asking price for Mateus Fernandes.

Man United have been left to consider their options, having already spent less than £40m to sign Ederson from Atalanta. It is not just in the center of the field that they are looking to strengthen. Old Trafford are also eyeing the development of Luke Shaw, as the Englishman approaches 31 years of age.

Man Utd have sent officials in the race for the £68m star

Those at Old Trafford reportedly watched Uruguay defender Maxi Araujo against Cape Verde and, despite a 2-2 draw, scouts came out to rave about his performance.

As reported by the Record in Portugal, and relayed by the Sports Witness, Man United have now sent officials to start their move and protect the opponents.

Like most deals this summer, however, they won’t come cheap. Araujo reportedly has a release clause worth €80m (£68m), but Sporting CP are willing to open talks for around €60m (£51m) to boost the Red Devils.

In terms of quality, Aruajo could finally be the man to take the torch from Shaw. At 26, this player is at the peak of his powers and has already impressed scouts on the biggest stage.

Man Utd will face competition for Araujo

As has been the case throughout the summer so far, Man United are facing plenty of competition for their top targets. On their side, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also looking for Araujo’s signature.

Chelsea could be one to watch. The Blues have just lost Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid and are in worse shape than Man United at left back.

Stamford Bridge have never hesitated to cash in on the right-back this summer in Marco Palestra, and could spend big on another signing before the end of the transfer window.

For Man United, signing Araujo would mean a long-term solution at the back and would see them go head-to-head with Premier League rivals. It’s a deal INEOS has to pull out all of the time.

Read next: Man Utd in talks to sign £80m midfielder