According to Sport, Manchester United could miss out on Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as the French international is reaching an agreement over a contract extension. Manager Jose Mourinho could make one last attempt to bring him to Old Trafford but may be disappointed this summer.
Umtiti joined Barca from Olympique Lyonnais in 2016 and has gone on to make over 80 appearances for the Catalan giants in all competitions. The 24-year-old has forged a solid partnership with Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barcelona defence this season, making 39 appearances, and wanted a new deal that reflected his efforts.
However, Umtiti and the La Liga champions couldn’t agree on a new deal which raised doubts about his future at the Camp Nou. Barcelona wanted to raise the centre-back’s £53m release clause in any contract extension to ward off interest, but the lack of progress opened the door for suitors to take advantage.
United were looking to capitalise on the situation but didn’t lodge a bid good enough to trigger talks with Umtiti. Mourinho reportedly has softened his stance on replacing Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, but Victor Lindelof, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind could leave this summer, which would surely mean a replacement comes in.
Barcelona are said to be making progress on talks with the Frenchman, however, so United might have to admit defeat.
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