Manchester United and Chelsea have “spoken to intermediaries” of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to TBRFootball.

The website claims the Uruguayan, who has been capped 16 times by his country, could be on the move this summer if he doesn’t sign a contract extension.

Araujo is part of Xavi’s first-team plans, and president Joan Laporta is said to be keen on keeping him as well, but other board members feel that the centre-back could raise some much-needed funds.

The La Liga side have limited financial resources and they will need to sell in order to buy players in the next transfer window.

United, along with Chelsea, have reportedly asked to be kept informed on Araujo’s situation so that, if the 25-year-old does become available, they can make their move.

Araujo has plenty of teams pursuing his signature

Reports in January had linked the Uruguayan international with a switch to Bayern Munich and TBRFootball claim that the German club are likely to revive their interest this summer.

It is also believed that both Arsenal and Newcastle could enter the mix if it becomes clear that Araujo’s future lies away from the Camp Nou.

United are in the market for a new centre-half

Erik ten Hag’s side are said to have made strengthening the centre of defence one of the club’s main priorities, and they have already scouted plenty of targets.

In addition to Araujo, the likes of Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Benfica’s Antonio Silva, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are all known to be players of interest to United.

The need for a new centre-back is likely to become even more urgent if Raphael Varane leaves Old Trafford. The Frenchman’s contract is set to expire at the end of June and, so far, the club have been reluctant to offer him an extension due to his salary demands.