CORNERFLICK
Benfica defender Thomas Araujo has emerged as a target for Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, with interest likely to build towards next summer rather than January.
Premier League clubs have watched him closely
According to Graeme Bailey, United and Chelsea have followed the 24-year-old in recent weeks and checked his performances several times. Bailey said his display against Milan last month also caught their attention.
Araujo came through Benfica's academy and has become an important part of their back line. His passing from deep positions, accuracy and calmness in possession have helped put him on the radar of several clubs.
Benfica are under no pressure to sell
Tottenham, Newcastle and Brighton have also tracked him, while interest from outside England suggests a wider market for the Portugal defender.
Araujo signed a new deal with Benfica recently that runs for about four and a half years. The contract includes an €80 million release clause, which means any interested club would have to pay that figure to force a move.
Benfica have little reason to sell one of their main defenders this winter, so a transfer now looks unlikely. The more realistic battle may come in the summer, with Araujo still tied to the Lisbon club for the time being.