Ruben Amorim plotting shock £50m transfer raid on Sporting's biggest rivals as he lines up first Man Utd signing

RUBEN AMORIM is already working on bolstering his Manchester United defence.

The new United boss wants Benfica’s rising star Tomas Araujo, 22, and could push for a £50million deal for the central defender when the transfer window opens in January.

3 Man Utd are lining up a £50m January swoop for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo Credit: Rex

3 Ruben Amorim managed Benfica's rivals Sporting Lisbon before joining United Credit: PA

Amorim has a meeting with Old Trafford decision makers on Friday and will discuss a move for Araujo.

Araujo has been a pillar of the Portuguese giant's team this season, partnering with former Manchester City stopper Nicolas Otamendi in the backline.

The Red Devils have been dealing with substantial injury issues at the back this season, and Amorim has instantly set his sights on his compatriot, who won his first international cap only last week.

A product of the Benfica academy, Araujo was targeted by Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Still, Benfica's bosses rejected the moves, although some of Europe's top clubs are closely monitoring the situation.

He's started eight games in the Portuguese league this season, with one assist, helping Bruno Lage’s team bounce back after Roger Schmidt's firing in October.

Benfica have only lost one game since Araujo began getting a regular run of games - he has also started in the last four games in the Champions League.

SunSport understands that new Old Trafford chief Amorim has placed Araujo on his wanted list as he begins his United rebuilding job.

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Araujo has all the attributes Amorim is after — he is 6 ft 2, a good passer of the ball, and physically strong, with plenty of room for improvement.

He can play centrally or on the right side of the defence and is considered the best prospect to come out of Portugal’s most productive academy since current Manchester City star Ruben Dias.

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3 Super agent Jorge Mendes is looking to establish a working relationship with Amorim Credit: Reuters

The Portuguese rising star has a release clause of 100million euros, as Benfica consider him one of their most significant assets.

SunSport understands super agent Jorge Mendes, who has guided Cristiano Ronaldo's and Jose Mourinho's careers, is trying to establish a close working relationship with Amorim.

The Old Trafford boss, however, is doing things his way.

A source close to Amorim told SunSport: "Ruben wants everyone to be on the same page. He won't change the way he works."

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