Sporting schedule Maxi Araújo talks as Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham monitor situation

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham may have to wait until after the World Cup before discovering whether Maxi Araújo could become a genuine transfer target this summer.

The Sporting CP star continues to attract significant interest from across Europe, but the Portuguese champions are already putting plans in place to strengthen their position and convince the Uruguay international to remain in Lisbon.

According to reports from Portugal, Sporting have arranged meetings with the player's representatives following the World Cup as they seek clarity over his long-term future.

Record report that Sporting have scheduled talks with Araújo's camp once Uruguay's World Cup campaign comes to an end.

The timing is no coincidence.

Sporting are fully aware that a strong tournament could dramatically increase interest in one of their most valuable assets. Rather than waiting for the market to dictate events, the Portuguese club are attempting to take control of the situation before transfer activity intensifies.

The 26-year-old has become an increasingly important figure under Rui Borges and is viewed internally as a key part of the club's plans for next season.

That importance explains why Sporting are already working on strategies to keep him.

The list of interested clubs remains impressive.

While earlier reports linked Arsenal with the player, Record now highlight Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham as the leading Premier League clubs monitoring developments.

Spanish giants Atlético Madrid are also said to be following the situation closely.

At this stage, however, none of those clubs appear to be actively negotiating.

Instead, interested parties are expected to assess Araújo's performances at the World Cup before deciding whether to intensify their interest.

Having followed Sporting's transfer strategy in recent years, the club have consistently used major international tournaments as opportunities to maximise the value of their most sought-after players.

Part of Sporting's retention strategy involves improving the player's salary.

According to Record, Araújo currently earns between €650,000 and €700,000 net per season.

The club are reportedly prepared to offer a substantial increase that could place him among Sporting's highest earners.

The proposal would reflect both his growing importance to the team and the desire to fend off interest from wealthier leagues.

Financial recognition is viewed internally as an important part of ensuring the winger remains committed to the project in Lisbon.

For any interested club, Sporting's valuation remains the biggest challenge.

The Portuguese side continue to insist they will only entertain serious discussions around figures approaching the player's €80 million release clause.

That position has been repeated consistently throughout recent months and appears unlikely to change before the World Cup.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham therefore face a difficult calculation.

Monitoring the player is one thing. Committing close to €80 million is another.

Interestingly, there appears to be some conflicting information emerging around the situation.

While Record report Sporting are preparing discussions with the player's representatives, sources familiar with the matter have indicated there are currently no contract renewal talks taking place.

That distinction is important.

It suggests the planned meetings may focus more broadly on the player's future and Sporting's intentions rather than formal contract negotiations.

As a result, the outcome remains far from certain.

The World Cup is likely to be the defining factor in this transfer story.

A strong tournament could attract additional suitors and strengthen Sporting's negotiating position, while a quieter campaign may reduce some of the immediate pressure surrounding his future.

Either way, Sporting are attempting to act early and ensure they enter any discussions from a position of strength. For Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, patience may be required before deciding whether Araújo is a realistic target or simply another player whose valuation has moved beyond reach.

Would Maxi Araújo be worth Sporting's €80 million valuation, or are Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham better off pursuing alternative options?