Thomas Tuchel has reportedly told Manchester United that he would want the club to move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo if he were to arrive at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag's replacement.
Man United have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, and they currently sit down in 14th spot in the table ahead of their return to action against Brentford after the international break.
Tuchel is seen as the favourite to replace Ten Hag, should a change be made in the near future, with the German available immediately following his departure from Bayern Munich earlier this year.
According to Fichajes, Tuchel has already told Man United chiefs that he would want the club to actively pursue a deal for Barcelona's Araujo if he were to be Ten Hag's replacement.
The report claims that a big-money offer could even be lodged in January, with Man United known admirers of Araujo, who is set to return from a serious hamstring problem before the end of November.
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Tuchel 'would want Man United to move for Araujo'
Bayern are believed to have attempted to sign Araujo in January, when Tuchel was in charge, but Barcelona made it clear that the centre-back would not be allowed to leave in the middle of the season.
The German giants were expected to reignite their interest over the summer, but Araujo suffered a serious hamstring injury while representing Uruguay at the Copa America.
The 25-year-old was forced to undergo an operation, but he has revealed that his recovery is going as planned, with the defender set to return to action before the end of next month.
There is uncertainty when it comes to Araujo's long-term future, though, as his current deal is due to expire in June 2026, and Barcelona are believed to be having trouble convincing him to sign an extension.
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How much would Man United have to pay for Araujo?
Araujo is valued at £58.6m by transfermarkt, and it would be fair to assume that Barcelona would ask for at least that price for the South American considering his quality.
The defender has made 150 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in the process, and he enjoyed an excellent 2023-24 campaign for the club.
Man United desperately need to add some pace to their back-line, and Araujo fits the brief, while he looks capable of competing physically in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether Tuchel is appointed head coach of Man United; the latest suggestions are that Ten Hag will keep his job for the Brentford game next weekend, but another poor result in that contest could lead to the Dutchman being sacked and a replacement brought in relatively quickly.
Matt Law
