Manchester United, Chelsea tracking Benfica defender Tomas Araujo

Manchester United and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Benfica defender Tomas Araujo as both Premier League clubs look to bolster their defensive options, according to reports.

Araujo has become a regular fixture in Benfica's backline and has drawn attention from scouts across Europe for his performances in Portugal's top flight. Neither United nor Chelsea has made a formal approach for the player, and Benfica has not commented publicly on any interest in the centre-back.

Sancho still waiting

Separately, winger Jadon Sancho remains a free agent and is reportedly comfortable waiting for the right offer rather than signing with the first club to come calling. Sancho, who has previously played for several top European clubs, has not been linked to a specific destination in the latest reports.

Neither Araujo's camp nor Sancho's representatives have issued statements confirming the level of interest described in the reports. Transfer speculation of this kind is common during the build-up to transfer windows, and no club has confirmed an agreement or formal negotiations involving either player.

Interest of this kind during the transfer window often does not translate into formal bids, and clubs typically wait until much closer to the window's close before making concrete offers. Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been active in recent transfer periods as they continue efforts to improve their squads under their current managers.

Benfica, for its part, has a track record of developing young defenders who go on to secure moves to top European leagues, and the club has previously commanded significant fees for departing talent. Any sale of Araujo would likely depend on Benfica receiving an offer it considers appropriate for a player of his profile.