Manchester United have been dealt with a huge blow as Barcelona are planning to tie down Samuel Umtiti with a new deal.
Jose Mourinho has been a long-term admirer of the French defender and the Portuguese manager had plans of making a move for him during the summer transfer window.
And given the fact that Umtiti’s current buy-out clause is just €60 million the move would have made perfect sense.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United’s growing interest in the 24-year-old have caught the attention of Barcelona and the Catalans are now eager to tie down Samuel Umtiti to a new deal.
The defender arrived at the Camp Nou two years ago from Lyon for a transfer fee of just €25 million and in these two years, he has grown leaps and bounds.
And as per some reports, the French International has already asked for significant wage rises.
But as per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will not accept his wage demands but in turn, will provide him with a new deal which will see a significant rise in his current salary.
Under the terms of the new contract, Umitit’s buy-out clause will also increase to a staggering €250 million just to fend off potential suitors.
The Catalans are confident that the centre-back will put pen to paper on the new deal before the World Cup begins in June which could prove to be a big blow for Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
A lot of the current first team defenders are expected to be sold by Mourinho at the end of the season and the former Real Madrid manager clearly had Samuel Umititi’s name high on the list of possible replacements.
If Umtiti does sign the new deal then Manchester United might shift their focus to Leicester City defender Harry Maguire who is a transfer target for Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal did try and sign him last summer and the Gunners were willing to pay €40 million for his services. But the Foxes refused to lower their asking price of €50 million.
And now reports from England are claiming that Manchester United are willing to meet Leicester City’s asking price for the English defender.
Is Harry Maguire a good enough replacement for Samuel Umtiti?
