Ruben Amorim is lining up his first signing as Manchester United head coach, according to a new report, but he won’t come cheap.
The 39-year-old made his intentions clear on Sunday afternoon, when he lined up in a 3-4-3 formation for their Premier League clash against Ipswich Town.
Jonny Evans partnered Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a back three at Portman Road as Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo were handed wing-back roles.
Amorim has plenty of options at the back, with Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof all set to be available in the coming weeks
But the Portuguese coach wants to bring another centre-back to Old Trafford in the not-so-distant future, according to The Sun, who suggest he could make a £50 million move for Tomas Araujo in January.
Araujo, who has impressed for Benfica this season alongside Nicolas Otamendi, is said to attracting interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, including United.
In fact, Amorim has already placed the 22-year-old on his wanted list as he begins his rebuild.
He will discuss a move for the highly-rated player when he speaks to United chiefs on Friday, according to the above report.
Araujo ticks plenty of boxes. He has previously played in a high line with Benfica’s youth team, so he is comfortable with controlling the space in behind. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet; not to mention having a good burst of speed.
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The 22-year-old, who has made 12 appearances for Roger Schmidt’s side this season, is considered to be one of the best young defenders in Portugal and as a result, he is believed to have a release clause of £84 million.
Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for Araujo but according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Benfica would need an “irrefutable” offer in January to allow the player to leave.
Benfica, meanwhile, believe Newcastle are ‘not able or willing to pay’ the amount needed to sign Araujo in January.
Do you think he would be a good signing for Manchester United? Let us know in the comments,