Barcelona already looking at replacement for Samuel Umtiti, with Manchester United closing in on French defender
Nou Camp giants scouted Matthijs De Ligt during international break, while Dayot Upamecano is also a possibility
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BARCELONA are already looking for replacements for Samuel Umtiti, according to reports in Catalonia.
The French central defender is understood to be stalling on a new deal, with Manchester United ready to make a huge offer.
Umtiti, 24, is considered an important part of Barcelona's backline, and the club are desperate to keep him.
However, report they are preparing for the worst and have started looking replacement.
Barcelona director Robert Fernandez went to both of Holland's international friendlies, as well as Ajax's last Eredivisie match to watch Matthijs De Ligt, 18, in action.
While, RB Leipzig's highly-rated French defender Dayot Upamecano, 19, remains another option.
Umtiti has developed into an important player at the Nou Camp and is a regular starter alongside Gerard Pique at the back.
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However, United are ready to meet his £52million buy-out clause, and will offer him a contract worth £175,000-a-week.
Barcelona are refusing to meet Umtiti's demands, as they cannot justify making him the club's second best-paid player behind Lionel Messi.
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They are growing increasingly concerned they are fighting a losing battle to keep the defender — and are unhappy with his brother and representative Yannick Umtiti's stance.
With his £52m clause now seeming "reasonable" given recent transfers, the club are in a difficult position.