Manchester United are one of the European clubs in the race to sign Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo this summer, according to Spanish outlet AS.
The Uruguay international has been a key player for Sporting CP in recent years, but he could pursue a bigger challenge in the upcoming transfer window.
AS cite that Atletico Madrid have become the latest club to join the pursuit and consider him as an alternative to Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella this summer.
However, they are not alone in the transfer race. Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus are also contenders to purchase the highly-rated full-back.
Araujo has a £69 million release clause in his Sporting CP contract, but the former Primeira Liga champions could negotiate at a starting price of £43 million.
Araujo would be a fantastic competitor for Shaw
The 26-year-old has built his reputation as a hard-working and attack-minded left-back. He recently showed his qualities during the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal.
Araujo won an impressive 10 duels and made seven tackles during the first leg in Lisbon. He was also clever with some tactical fouls to restrict Noni Madueke and Max Dowman.
The Uruguayan could have also scored an early goal in that game. David Raya made a stunning fingertip save to deny him. Araujo was equally good on the road with defensive contributions.
Overall, Araujo has accumulated seven goals and four assists for Sporting CP this term. In the Champions League, he won seven duels per outing alongside five recoveries and almost four tackles.
Araujo would provide the right balance in attack and defence from the left-back position. He would be a good competitor to Luke Shaw, whose workload needs to be reduced, given the significantly more games he will play next season. He has had a worrying injury record in his career.
Patrick Dorgu has looked defensively vulnerable as a specialist left-back or left wing-back. The Dane is more comfortable as a wide attacking player, and his future could be higher up the pitch.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
