Man United learn asking price for defensive target with 11 goal contributions this season

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Manchester United remain interested in signing the Sporting CP defender, Maximiliano Araujo. The 26-year-old Uruguay international has done quite well for the Portuguese club this season, and he has attracted the attention of the Premier League club. Manchester United needs to bring in a long-term alternative to Luke Shaw, and Araujo could be an excellent option.Maxi Araujo is in fine formHe has shown his quality in Portugal and in the European competitions this season. The opportunity to play for Manchester United will be tempting for him. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at a higher level. Regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in the player as well.Meanwhile, reports via SportWitness claim that the player could cost around £43 million in the summer. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United is willing to pay that kind of money for a lift back. They need to significantly improve the midfield, and they might need to invest in more than one midfielder. Spending £43 million on a full-back proved difficult for them.“Illogical signing” – Man United urged to replace a player who struggled against SunderlandAraujo could improve Man UnitedAraujo is not just a reliable defender; he is quite impressive going forward. He has registered 11 goal contributions this season. He might be able to justify the investment in the long-term, and it remains to be seen what Manchester United decide.With multiple clubs keen on the player, Sporting CP will not want to lose him for cheap. They will hope for a bidding war in the summer so that they can recoup as much as possible from his departure.Araujo can operate as a left-back or a wing-back. He has those attributes to succeed in England, and he will look to sort out his future quickly.Luckhurst reveals two Man Utd stars suffered injury blows ahead of Sunderland