Man Utd and Liverpool 'make contact' over deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly among a group of English clubs to have registered an interest in signing Ronald Araujo, with the defender's future uncertain due to a contract issue at Barcelona.

Araujo, 24, agreed a new four-year contract with Barcelona last summer but the Catalan club have been unable to register it with La Liga due to their ongoing financial issues, with teenage star Gavi in a similar situation.

As things stand, Araujo could leave Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer, with the player's current deal due to expire in June.

90min claim that Barcelona are 'not worried' about the situation believe the new contract for Araujo will 'not be an issue in the long-term'.

The club insists both Araujo and Gavi will be Barcelona players next season and that while it is 'frustrating', the situation regarding the contracts will be rectified in due course.

Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding Araujo's future has put a number of European clubs on red alert.

90min claim that Premier League sides Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle United have all enquired about Araujo's availability.

Inter Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund have also shown an interest but Barcelona insist the player will remain at the Nou Camp.

Nunez's message to Araujo

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez would no doubt be keen to play alongside Uruguay international teammate Araujo at Anfield.

Nunez has previously expressed his admiration for the centre-back after he agreed his contract extension with Barcelona, which is yet to be registered.

"Congratulations, little brother; you earned it, and your humility distinguishes you! I adore you a lot," tweeted Nunez, as reported by 442sport.

Liverpool have also been linked with Gavi, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly 'obsessed' with the Barcelona youngster.

However, Barcelona director Mateu Alemany is confident Gavi will remain with the La Liga club for the rest of his career.

"We are going to register Gavi for sure. There is no problem, it will be done and completed soon. We are convinced he will finish his career with Barca," he said.

Topics: Liverpool, Manchester United, Darwin Nunez, Football, Barcelona, La Liga, Premier League, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan