Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly been left furious after one of the club's rivals hijacked a potential transfer.
The Red Devils are believed to be looking to rebuild after what many consider to have been an underwhelming season that saw them finish eighth on the Premier League table.
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As such, the Erik ten Hag-led side had shortlisted Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo as one of its top targets for the upcoming end-of-season transfer window, according to Manchester Evening News.
They have, however, encountered an early setback in this pursuit, with it now said that London club Chelsea has put forward a major offer in an attempt to land the 25-year-old's services, leaving new United co-owner Ratcliffe infuriated over his team's failure to secure the player's signature.
While the amount the Blues have offered has not been disclosed, Barca are said to have previously slapped a price tag of £85 million (around R1.9 billion) on the Uruguay defender.
Reports suggest that despite the Blaugrana trying the offload the centre-back, he is happy with life in Spain, but it is a situation both English giants are believed to be ready to take advantage of.
However, it is also said that acquiring the player could be a tricky issue for both EPL sides given their concerns over Financial Fair Play and Araujo's hefty price tag.
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The Uruguayan centre-back has impressed with his performances this season, and has made 37 appearances in all competitions, as well as chipping in with one goal and two assists.
He has also helped Barca keep nine clean sheets, won 58 aerial duels and has been dribbled past on just four occasions.
United, meanwhile, have had their fair share of defensive struggles over the campaign with injuries and frequent goal concessions, and have also recently lost the services of Raphael Varane, who confirmed last week that he will leave the club after his contract was not extended.
Veteran defender Jonny Evans, meanwhile, having returned to the Red Devils in August last year on a one-year-deal which is set to expire at the end of the season.
It is unclear whether he will follow Varane out of the door or continue his stay in Manchester. He will, however, be preparing with the team as they prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
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Ten Hag confirmed at a pre-match press conference that defender Victor Lindelof will be available for selection, along with Mason Mount and Anthony Martial, but Harry Maguire has been ruled out due to injury.
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