Tottenham are among several major European clubs pushing to position themselves early in the race for highly-rated Sporting star Maxi Araujo.Tottenham Hotspur are set to miss out on European football next season after what has been a disastrous Premier League campaign.In fact, Tottenham’s Premier League status is far from guaranteed as they remain locked in a relegation battle with West Ham United with just two games left to play.Of course, there is no denying there has been a significant drop-off from the Lilywhites, who are now set to miss out on European football after producing a respectable showing in this season’s Champions League despite their round-of-16 exit.Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesTottenham join race for Sporting star Maxi AraujoAccording to a report from A Bola, Tottenham are now believed to have held exploratory talks with versatile full-back Maxi Araujo’s agent following his impressive Champions League campaign.The full-back, who is capable of playing as a left midfielder, wing-back and left winger, managed 11 starts in Europe for Sporting, scoring two goals and registering one assist as he helped his side reach the quarter-finals.Spurs Web has already reported on Tottenham’s interest in Araujo, revealing that the club has scouted the 26-year-old closely. They are now believed to be stepping up their pursuit ahead of the summer window, although competition for his signature is intensifying.Spurs face major competition for Maxi Araujo transferAtletico Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United are all believed to be in the race for Araujo, according to A Bola.In fact, it is claimed all three clubs have already held exploratory talks with the full-back’s agent as well ahead of the summer transfer window.It is believed that all interested parties, including Spurs, want to secure priority status with Sporting president Frederico Varandas and avoid a price inflation battle, as there is growing concern that an auction for the player could become frenetic during the summer. The full-back will certainly not come cheap, with Sporting said to be demanding his €80m (£68m) release clause be met, although Spurs Web recently reported that Araujo could be available for around £30m. Regardless of the interest, Atletico Madrid are currently believed to be leading the race for his signature, with Diego Simeone said to be a huge admirer.READ MORE: ‘This time, it was important’ – Tottenham fans should be proud of Kevin Danso’s stand against racismThe post Tottenham want to secure priority status with Sporting to avoid inflated transfer fee appeared first on Spurs Web.