Manchester United 'prepare talks' to sign £85m Barcelona defender and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are busy gearing up for their return to Premier League action in the next few days.

United have to wait until Monday night before they face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. The Reds are battling to secure European football with just four top-flight fixtures left to play.

Erik ten Hag's side are currently in sixth place in the Premier League table going into the clash against the Eagles. That could change if Newcastle claim all three points against Burnley on Saturday, just two days before United kick off against Palace.

Even though the season is yet to reach its conclusion, United are already being linked with potential new signings. Rumours are already beginning to swirl around possible players that the Reds could target when the window reopens this summer.

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Reports are claiming that United are still interested in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. According to Caught Offside, the Reds are preparing to enter negotiations with Araujo's representatives with a view to signing the centre-back at the end of the season.

It has been claimed that Barcelona may consider letting Araujo go this summer if a suitable offer is made for the Uruguay international. The report states that a fee in the region of €100 million (£85 million) would need to be made to see the La Liga giants enter negotiations for Araujo's future.

Elsewhere, United are reportedly not alone in showing an interest in signing Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the defender in recent transfer windows, but are yet to make a move to bring the player to Old Trafford.

According to L'Equipe, via Get French Football News, United will have to battle against Atletico Madrid and AC Milan for the signing of Todibo. The former Barcelona defender has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur in the past.