Sporting confident of keeping Maxi Araújo despite Chelsea and Manchester United interest

Sporting CP are growing increasingly confident they can keep Maxi Araújo at the club this summer despite continued interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Uruguay international has returned to Portugal after his post-World Cup break and has linked up with Rui Borges' squad at their pre-season training camp in Lagos. While Premier League clubs continue to monitor his situation, Sporting remain determined to retain one of their most important players.

Araújo's impressive performances for Uruguay at the World Cup further enhanced his reputation, but Sporting have no intention of cashing in unless an exceptional offer arrives.

According to reports in Portugal, the club have already devised a strategy to convince the 26-year-old to stay beyond this summer. If he remains at Alvalade after the transfer window closes, Sporting intend to reward him with a new and improved contract.

The proposed extension would reportedly move Araújo closer to the club's highest earners while also giving him greater leadership responsibilities within the squad.

Sporting view the left wing-back as a cornerstone of Rui Borges' system and are eager to build next season's team around him.

Chelsea and Manchester United are both continuing to follow Araújo after his outstanding displays over the past year.

However, the report claims the Premier League clubs have only made exploratory enquiries rather than formal offers.

Sporting's position is clear. The Portuguese champions will only consider negotiations if a bid arrives close to the player's €80 million release clause, making any transfer difficult unless one of his admirers is prepared to make a substantial investment.

For now, there is optimism that Araújo is fully focused on continuing his career in Lisbon.

Araújo returned from his summer break determined to build on the best campaign of his career.

The versatile wing-back made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring seven goals and contributing five assists as Sporting enjoyed another successful year.

He is not the only Uruguay international arriving at the Algarve training camp, with new signing Rodrigo Zalazar also joining the squad after completing his move from Braga in a club-record €30 million transfer.

While Sporting remain confident of keeping Araújo, they have reportedly identified alternative targets for the left flank should an offer too good to refuse arrive before the end of the transfer window.

Sporting expect further interest in Araújo before the transfer window closes but remain determined to keep the 26-year-old for another season. If no suitable offers arrive, discussions over a lucrative new contract are expected to begin as the club looks to secure the long-term future of one of its most valuable assets.

Should Chelsea or Manchester United test Sporting's resolve with a major bid for Maxi Araújo this summer?