According to a claim in the Catalan press, Barcelona are working to tie up Samuel Umtiti’s renewal before this summer’s World Cup.
Barcelona recently refused to meet Umtiti’s demands and subsequently he’s been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Sport have today reported Barcelona are optimistic they can get an agreement with Umtiti before the defender joins up with the French national team. ‘The foundations have been laid’ to close the deal, but it’s not completed quite yet.
Talks are said to be ongoing with the Frenchman’s agent, and if he does extend his contract with the Spanish side then a much bigger buyout clause than his current €60m will be implemented into the new deal.
A big breakthrough, explain Sport, had been Umtiti lowering his demands.
Umititi has become a central figure in the Barcelona defence this season, but it’s also reported they want to strengthen this department in the summer.
One option is Sevilla’s Clement Lenglet, who Barcelona are reportedly in talks with. The Frenchman has impressed for Sevilla this season, and did well in the Champions League tie against Manchester United.
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