La Liga insider says there ‘is a distance’ between Barcelona and United-linked star in contract negotiations

Manchester United have found themselves linked with a potential move for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo in recent weeks.

The stalwart defender is keen to be rewarded with a new contract that best reflects his contributions to the club after agreeing to a deal that catered to Barcelona’s ever-troubling financial concerns back in 2022, with that set to run until 2026.

Previous reports had suggested that negotiations between the Uruguayan and sporting director Deco were progressing positively, however, La Liga insider Matteo Moretto has now revealed that this may not be the case. 

He divulged in Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing: “It’s true that President Joan Laporta does not want him to leave. As far as I know, both sides continue negotiating and speaking, but I do not have confirmation of advances in recent weeks. Araujo is happy at Barcelona, and Barcelona want him to stay, but there is still a distance between the two regarding the terms of a deal. They will continue talks.”

Araujo ranks high on Erik ten Hag’s shortlist

Indeed, United will be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old’s situation from afar as they begin putting plans in place for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ first-ever transfer window.

The English businessman will be well aware that statement signings would see him get off on the right foot with the Old Trafford faithful, who are bound to hold reservations about their new co-owner following years of the Glazers’ tumultuous reign.