Xavi addresses Ronald Araujo future amid Manchester United speculation

Barcelona boss Xavi has said that signing Ronald Araujo to a new contract at Camp Nou "is a priority".

The 22-year-old has been an important player for the Catalan giants during the 2021-22 campaign, making 22 appearances in all competitions, including 15 outings in La Liga.

Araujo has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Barcelona, though, and a recent report claimed that Manchester United had made a £25m bid for his services.

Xavi has branded the Uruguay international "an extraordinary defender", with the Catalan club's head coach desperate for a new deal to be agreed as soon as possible.

"[Araujo's] renewal is a priority," Xavi told reporters. "For me, he is a very important piece. He is an extraordinary defender and has a winning character.

"They have to reach an agreement quickly, because he is a player for the present and for the future. It is appreciated to have players like him. Ronald is a guy who contributes a lot."

Araujo, who has also been linked with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Liverpool, has featured on 61 occasions for Barcelona since making his first-team debut in 2019.