Ruben Amorim ‘targets £50m move for rising defensive star’ as the Man United boss ‘plots hunt for former club’s rival talent’ ahead of the January transfer window

Ruben Amorim is set to raid one of his former club’s rivals for a key defensive star in a bid to bolster his Manchester United squad in the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports.

The newly-appointed Old Trafford chief is attempting to instil his favoured 3-4-3 formation with the players left to him by Erik ten Hag, but is encountering some teething problems as was to be expected.

Amorim is continuing to experiment with his squad and celebrated a first victory as United boss with an emphatic Europa League comeback win over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening, spurred by Rasmus Hojlund.

The 39-year-old will have just a few weeks to assess his squad ahead of the January transfer window opening and is already seeking out new recruitment options with the club’s INEOS-backed sporting department.

Amorim has already been linked with returning to his former club Sporting Lisbon for striker Viktor Gyokeres, but it’s one of the Portuguese side’s rivals that he could be knocking on the door of in the coming weeks.

The United boss is keen on bringing Benfica defender Tomas Araujo to the club and a £50m deal is being sounded out for the highly-rated 22-year-old rising star. 

United’s defence largely features Matthijs De Ligt (left) and Lisandro Martinez (right) but could soon be bolstered by a new arrival

The United boss is keen on bringing Benfica defender Tomas Araujo (right) to the club

Araujo is one of the names under consideration, as per the Sun, and will be discussed by Amorim and United’s recruitment executives at a meeting on Friday with other major European sides also understood to be monitoring the situation.

The centre-back has been an integral figure in Benfica’s defence this season by making 13 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese giants and only losing one league match since the start of the season.

Amorim has been monitoring the youngster’s development and has placed Araujo on his shortlist of wanted stars, believing that the 6ft 2in defender has the required attributes that the Premier League demands.

However, his arrival would thrust renewed spotlight on the future of several United defenders with the squad already well-stocked in that department.

Araujo is one of the names under consideration and will be discussed by Amorim and United’s recruitment executives

The centre-back has been an integral figure in Benfica’s defence this season by making 13 appearances in all competitions

Harry Maguire’s recent return from injury means Amorim can call on the Englishman alongside Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and talented teenager Leny Yoro.

Araujo is considered one of Benfica’s best youth prospects of the past decade with the club also previously developing Ruben Dias who has gone on to become a serial Premier League champion at Man City.

Benfica have inserted an £83m release clause into the Portuguese star’s contract in-line with his recognised potential and emergence in the national team. 

But, United will be hoping to negotiate a lower fee to help fall in line with FFP regulations and could sell players to raise funds.