United now want to sign 22yo Chelsea target, £66m deal can be agreed in January - report
Manchester United are considering a move for Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo.
According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, the Red Devils are in the race to sign the 22-year-old alongside Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Palace attempted to sign the Portugal international last summer, but Benfica rejected their advances.
Benfica are not ready to lose Araujo, at least in the January transfer window, unless his £66 million is triggered by any of the clubs interested in signing him.
Araujo has been a mainstay in Benefica’s defence this season, starting 14 games across all competitions.
He has four years left on his current contract, but the 38-time Primeira Liga champions are not losing sleep over the possibility of the centre-back being lured away.
Man United need defensive additions, but is Araujo the answer?
Man United have conceded 13 goals in 13 Premier League games this season.
Despite the arrival of Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have continued to show defensive vulnerabilities.
They have kept only one clean sheet in the first three games under Amorim, and that was against a low-scoring Everton side.
Araujo has performed well in Portugal, and most of his statistics are superior to United’s current crop of defenders.
While he is undoubtedly a talented defender, the Primeira Liga to the Premier League.
However, Ruben Dias moved from Benfica to Manchester City to become one of the finest Premier League centre-backs.
Araujo may follow in the footsteps of his compatriot if United win the battle for his signature.
Stats from transfermarkt.com and fbref.com.
Article written by Henry Thornton .