Manchester United have presented an offer to Barcelona contract rebel Ronald Araujo - but Chelsea are also in the race.
The Red Devils have had plenty of defensive problems with Harry Maguire experiencing a nightmare season while Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof could leave after being dropped from the first-team.
But Chelsea are also desperate to bolster their backline as they enter an uncertain summer of outgoings.
Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are all out of contract at the end of the season and there is a very real possibility that all three will leave.
Whose defence needs Ronald Araujo more, United or Chelsea? Comment below
That would leave the Blues hopelessly bereft of players at the back with just Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr as options.
And they are set to lock horns with United over the signature of Araujo, who is yet to put pen to paper over a new contract at Barcelona.
According to El Chiringuito TV, the Red Devils have identified the 22-year-old as an ideal solution at the back and have presented him with an offer.
However, Chelsea are also in the race and has been eyed as a potential replacement any departures in their defensive department, report Goal.
Araujo’s contract runs out in 2023 and he has less than 18 months left, putting Barca in a trick position as they enter the final year and a potential free transfer on the cards.
The club’s financial position as stalled negotiations between the parties, as well as the change in president last year.
And the defender has been left frustrated by Barcelona’s attempts to renew talks which has put his future at the Nou Camp in doubt.
The Uruguay international has skyrocketed to fame at the Catalan club in recent years and has become the main man to partner Gerard Pique under Xavi.
It has led to many to believe that he could be the long-term successor to the Spaniard - though his contract situation puts a spanner in the works.
United will not want to become embroiled in a bidding war in the summer, though, with a midfielder top of their wish list.
Declan Rice remains the priority but West Ham have priced the England international at £100m while Chelsea have identified Leicester star Wesley Fofana and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde as other targets.
