Premier League Clubs Manchester United and Chelsea on High Alert After Barcelona Defender Rejects New Contract

• Ronald Araujo’s contract extension talks with Spanish club Barcelona have hit the brick wall as his contract expires in 2023
• Barcelona are desperate in tying the defender down with a long-term contract following their struggles in the defence in recent times
• Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea are now on high alert as they are ready to swoop on the Uruguayan

Uruguayan star Ronald Araujo has reportedly rejected a contract extension from Spanish club Barcelona and placed Premier League clubs on high alert, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

The 22-year-old whose current deal with the Catalan giants expires next year is said to be in negotiations with the Spanish La Liga giants.

Barca look to tie the player down with a long term contract, but Marca are now reporting that talks between the player’s agent and the club were rejected.

Both parties are expected to continue negotiations this week as Araujo is also interested in staying at the Camp Nou outfit.

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He has made 24 appearances for the club so far this season partnering Gerard Pique in central defence for the majority of the campaign.

PL clubs on high alert

Daily Star are also reporting that sporting director Mateu Alemany of Barcelona has prioritised Araujo’s contract extension following the club's struggles at the back in recent times.

Manchester United and Chelsea have been put on alert by Araujo’s initial contract rejection.

The Blues could be in need of defensive reinforcements soon, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all out of contract at the end of the season.

Barcelona to raid Chelsea for two key players

Chelsea are on the verge of losing key defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen to Barcelona as the Spanish giants are planning a raid on Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish club are currently holding talks with Azpilicueta whose current deal runs out at the end of the season and have offered him a deal until 2024.

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The 32-year old is allowed to start speaking to other clubs as he tries to sort out his future with talks over a new contract with Chelsea not making headway at the moment.

Barca are also keen on Danish defender Andreas Christensen whose contract also runs out with the Blues at the end of the current campaign.

Messi spotted with Xavi at Barcelona

Sports Brief earlier reported that Lionel Messi made a surprise return to Barcelona on Monday night, January 24, where he linked up with his former teammates to celebrate Xavi's 42nd birthday.

The record Ballon d'Or winner headed back to Barcelona months after his shock exit to join Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi departed Camp Nou in the summer after more than two decades with the Catalan giants to seal a stunning switch to Parc des Princes.