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Published November 28, 2024 5:10pm Updated November 28, 2024 5:10pm
Ruben Amorim has urged Manchester United to rival Chelsea in the transfer race to sign Benfica star Tomás Araújo, according to reports.
Araújo has established himself as an important player in the Benfica XI and Chelsea are believed to be ‘in love’ with the impressive young centre-back.
The Blues are reportedly among the English sides to have opened talks with Benfica with the Red Devils now entering the battle for his signature.
United’s new manager Amorim has placed Araujo on his personal wishlist and will discuss a possible move with Old Trafford decision makers on Friday, The Sun have reported.
They add United could push for a £50m deal in the January transfer window despite a reported €100m release clause in Araújo’s contract.
The 22-year-old, who recently earned his first cap for Portugal, came through Benfica’s academy and has played 37 first-team games for the Portuguese side to date.
Chelsea tried to sign Araújo last summer but they left it too late before the window closed.
Araujo was also targeted by Crystal Palace and French side Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, who played with Araújo at Benfica, is convinced that he can become one of the best defenders in world football.
‘If he keeps doing what he’s been doing, he has everything to be one of the best defenders in the world in a year or two,’ Vertonghen told CNN Portugal.
Araújo helped Benfica clinch the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira title in 2023.
United are also keen to bring in a new striker and left-back as the Amorim era gets underway.
The Red Devils have identified four possible strikers and three potential left-backs ahead of the January window.
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