Newcastle United are reportedly now willing to pay big money in order to sign Ronald Araujo.

The Lowdown: Destined for greatness

Despite the trouble in which Barcelona have found themselves in recent times, having to let Lionel Messi go to Paris Saint-Germain and potentially not being able to qualify from their Champions League group, the emergence of Araujo is at least one shining light at Camp Nou.

Recently described as a 'spectacular' player by his new manager Xavi, the 22-year-old looks destined for great things, and his teammate Gerard Pique already thinks that he 'has everything' for a central defender despite his tender age.

One of the most notable qualities about Araujo is his physique, as he stands at 6 foot 2, and he is in 'exuberant physical condition' according to former Uruguay centre-back and fellow countryman Andres Scotti, making him a bit of a beast.

The Latest: Wanted

As per El Nacional, Newcastle now want Araujo and are 'one of the most interested' clubs from the Premier League in the race for his signature, along with Chelsea.

They would reportedly be 'willing' to put an offer of £60m on the table, comfortably surpassing the club-record £40m that they spent on Joelinton, as well as giving the 22-year-old a 'big' contract.

Ideally, Barcceloa do not want to sell, but the report claimed that they would 'have to study' a prospective offer of that magnitude.

The Verdict: Unrealistic

It does seem too unrealistic that a player of Araujo's quality and promise would move to Newcastle this early in the project, especially as they are currently in a relegation scrap.

Eddie Howe's preference for high possession and attacking football would certainly suit Araujo more than some of the other centre-half options in the Magpies' squad, given that the Uruguay international has averaged more passes at a higher success rate per game than Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

However, despite the kind of money that the Tynesiders now have at their disposal, it seems likely that Araujo would look elsewhere for now, perhaps to reigning Champions League holders Chelsea, until the long-term project at St James' Park has developed further.

In other news, NUFC are also eyeing this 'incredible' beast