Manchester United interest in defender rolled out – Club want sale, player wants ‘beneficial’ move

Manchester United probably need a new centre back this summer and are already, at least reportedly, pushing ahead with their attempts to get one.

Today saw claims they’ve been turned away by Leicester City in their pursuit of Harry Maguire, with a £70m bid rejected out of hand.

It remains to be seen if that’s a price they’re willing to better in the coming weeks, but if they’re not, then Samuel Umtiti is available at Barcelona.

The French centre back barely featured for Barca last season, with injuries and the form of Clement Lenglet keeping him out of the first-team picture.

This summer he finds himself on the transfer list, according to Sport, with them explaining that a series of incidents have caused Umtiti’s relationship with the club to deteriorate.

First, there was a disagreement over the treatment of his injury, with Umtiti refusing surgery despite Barca being told by multiple sources it was the best course of action.

There was also the issue of his contract renewal, with the club feeling he played his cards in an ‘inelegant’ manner to get a better deal for himself. Add in an appearance in Antoine Griezmann’s documentary, and now Barca’s management have decided to move him on.

They want at least €50m for the 25-year-old, will not take a cent less and don’t have to balance the books as they’re in a new financial year. Manchester United and Juventus have shown an interest, but neither have made any official moves as yet. The latter are surely out of it, given their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt.

Even if Manchester United do make a move, they may find it challenging to convince Umtiti. Sport explains that he wants to stay at the Nou Camp for at least another year to ‘regain his best level’. However, he’s not closed to the idea of a move if it’s ‘beneficial’ for all parties.

Presumably, that means one that gets him a big wage packet and signing on fee first and foremost. Indeed, this feels like Umtiti playing his cards once again.

He doesn’t want to leave Barca anyway, but if he has to, he wants to ensure the money is excellent first and foremost. It seems like a clear signal to clubs like United that if they want him, they better offer an eye-watering fee for him.

Given Manchester United’s recent propensity for handing out ridiculous contracts, that may be something that they actually do.