chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur And Manchester United Sporting Clube de Portugal have held exploratory talks with the agents of star Maxi Araújo about a move.
A Bola report said that the 26-year-old's talent This season of the Champions League has generated a high level of interest.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United call
The newspaper states that Maxi Araújo's impressive performances in the Champions League this season, where he has shown 'quality in transition and defensive solidity', have elevated the winger's status.
Atlético de Madrid is at the forefront of pursuing him. He has been given 'priority option' status for Diego Simeone's side. But the Spaniards know there is strong interest in him.
chelseaTottenham and Manchester United are keen on the Premier League. Juventus is also in contact. All concerned parties have held 'exploratory talks' with the player's agents.
All interested parties want to secure priority status with Sporting president Frederico Varandas and want to 'avoid price inflation'. The growing concern is that there will be an auction and it will be 'frantic' during the summer.
€80m asking price
Sporting will start the summer by asking to meet the release clause of Maxi Araújo. It is currently set at €80m. Its purpose is to warn interested parties that they will not sell it cheap.
The Portuguese side want to keep the left-back but know interest will be 'intense'. They are almost accepting that they will have to sell. Whatever the price, they will make a huge profit on a player who will cost them €13.7m in 2024.
Atlético de Madrid are currently the front-runners in the race for his signature. He has a clear desire for Diego Simeone. But there is competition from the Premier League. Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United are already in contact with his agents.
Whether any of those three will pay Sporting's wishes remains to be seen. But talks with his agents in Portugal are being seen as a sign of his increasing interest.
