Liverpool make their move as they look to beat Man Utd and Chelsea to ‘esteemed’ defender

Liverpool have made “an approach” for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo – a defender wanted by Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Araujo is out of contract in 2023 and Barca are keen to get a deal done to keep him. The 22-year-old Uruguayan has been a regular since Ronald Koeman introduced him into the side. And he has made 25 appearances this season and is a firm favourite of Xavi’s.

So much so that the Barca boss has made the player’s future a “priority”.

In quotes carried by Fabrizio Romano, Xavi addressed the looming issue over the weekend.

“Araujo’s contract extension is one of the priorities,” said Xavi. “We definitely want to extend his contract as soon as possible.

“Araujo is giving us a lot and he is highly esteemed in the club and the dressing room.”

Barcelona are believed to have made an offer to keep the player. Marca though say Araujo has turned down the Catalan giant’s opening offer.

That offer was not believed to be anywhere near what some of his team-mates are earning.

Barca though are aware that if Araujo gets into the final year of his contract then they will have to consider a sale. They do not want to lose the player for free and already the interest is intense.

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City, United and Chelsea are believed to be very keen, according to Marca.

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Klopp has decisions to make

And now Sport, via Sport Witness, suggest Liverpool have made an enquiry for Araujo. The report claims the defender “has been approached” by Liverpool, as well as others, giving Barcelona plenty to think about.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is well stocked for defenders at present.

Ibrahima Konate joined the club from RB Leipzig, taking his place in the squad alongside Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips. But a lack of gametime for the latter duo has raised questions about their futures.

And Phillips was allowed to join Bournemouth on loan on deadline day.

The 24-year-old, who made his debut in the Cherries shock home defeat to Boreham Wood on Sunday, did sign a new Liverpool contract towards the end of 2020. 

But a decision on his long-term future is likely in the summer.

READ MORE: Liverpool star reveals current Klopp thinking over role as exit chances given reality check