Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has a meeting with the decision-makers of the club on Friday and will discuss a move for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo, according to the Sun.
The Portugal international has a release clause of €100 million, but the new Red Devils boss could push for a €50m deal for the 22-year-old centre-back when the transfer window opens in January.
Amorim has admired the 6ft 2in ball-playing defender since his days as Sporting Lisbon manager, and while he could not sign him due to the bitter rivalry between his former club and Benfica, he wants Man United to land him.
Araujo was targeted by Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain last summer, and many clubs have continued to monitor him ahead of January and next summer.
Despite his age, the youngster has played 110 games as a professional, with his ability to also play at right-back a quality the Man United boss admires.
He will fit perfectly into his system at the Old Trafford club, but landing him during the winter transfer window could prove tricky and they may need to wait until the end of the season.
The Red Devils have suffered multiple defensive injuries this term, and Amorim has been forced to include 16-year-old Godwill Kukonki regularly in the first-team training since his arrival last week.
They could do with one or two quality signings in January to boost their chances of finishing in the top-four and challenging for silverware, but whether they will be keen to splash the cash on a defender remains to be seen.
Man United are struggling in the final third, and they need a proven finisher that can guarantee constant goals.
Amorim started his reign with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town away from home on Sunday and will look to get a win later today in the Europa League game against Bodo/Glimt in his first match at Old Trafford.
