Samuel Umtiti confirms Manchester United interest but says he’s staying at Barcelona
French defender, 24, has been linked with Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho looks to add steel to his backline
SAMUEL UMTITI has confirmed Manchester United want to sign him – but says he is happy at Barcelona.
The French defender, 24, has been linked with Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho looks to add steel to his backline.
Umtiti has a 60million euro (£52.5m) buyout clause and admits that is a "concern".
But he says that his only interest is his Barca future – and that he is not even considering a departure.
He told Canal FC: "It’s not only Manchester United.
"Other clubs want me as well, but my sole focus is on Barcelona.
"It was my dream to play at Barca. And I achieved it when I was just 22.
"I’m very happy here, whenever I play and whenever I train.
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"Negotiations for a contract renewal have not started yet.
"My release clause is low, but that’s not what I worry about, I focus on the pitch.
"A payout clause does not mean much, everyone is aware of it.
"Maybe there is an interest from Barca [for an extension], but nothing has started."
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United boss Mourinho is looking for a world-class centre-back this summer and eyeing Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld.
Real Madrid's Raphael Varane is also a long-term target with Umtiti, who signed from Lyon for £20.5m in 2016, also on the radar.
But the Red Devils may struggle to persuade Umtiti to leave Barca, who are nine points clear at the top of La Liga and chasing Champions League glory.