Barcelona fear Man Utd or Liverpool will snatch prospect Ronald Araujo in transfer raid amid talks over new contract

BARCELONA are reportedly fearing that Manchester United or Liverpool could snatch highly-rated prospect Ronald Araujo.

The 22-year-old star arrived at the Nou Camp from Uruguayan side River Boston in 2018

The defender has since broken into the first-team squad and the Uruguay national side.

He is out of contract in 2023 but Barcelona want to reward his progress with a new five-year deal.

However, ESPN claims that interest from the Premier League big boys and the centre-back’s wage demands could ‘complicate’ negotiations.

They claim that ‘sources said that during preliminary discussions with the player, there is a concern at Barcelona that they may not be able to meet the terms that he is requesting’ to stay.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been monitoring the starlet’s development closely over recent years.

And with the financial difficulties facing Barcelona, they know that the Red Devils and Anfield club possess the ‘financial might’ to push forward with their interest and launch a raid for the South American.

The report also added that Liverpool are ‘particularly keen’ on Araujo and have had their scouts watching him over the course of 2021.

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Barcelona did recently secure the long-term futures of young stars Pedri and Ansu Fati.

Now getting Araujo to commit himself to them is a major priority.

They are desperate to avoid a similar situation to the one they faced with Ilaix Moriba last summer.

They were forced to cash in and sell to RB Leipzig after he refused an extension after entering the final year of his contract.

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