Quick ‘agreement in principle’ being chased after Manchester United make offer

Samuel Umtiti and Manchester United rumbles on in the Catalan media on Wednesday.

Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona are keen to get an ‘agreement in principle’ on a contract renewal for the Frenchman, and this is directly because of the Manchester United interest.

It’s been claimed in the Catalan media that Umtiti has an offer from the Premier League club of €9m per year after tax, and wants Barcelona to match this.

However, the La Liga side won’t go so high, and that’s led to some worry Manchester United could just swoop in and pay the defender’s €60m release clause.

Those representing Umtiti seem to be using the supposed interest of Jose Mourinho to force more money out of Barcelona, a similar plan to many players before him.

Umtiti was this week interviewed by French television and asked about the interest. Him not rubbishing it all has led to more worry in Catalonia.

Interestingly, Marca report on Wednesday that, despite all that’s going on in the Catalan media, Manchester United aren’t even interested.

Unlike for Umtiti himself, it’s not as much in the interest of the Catalan media to talk up Manchester United which may not exist. But, it can help them sell copies, get closer to the player’s camp if it’s him pushing it, and then declare victory over a Premier League side when he finally renews.