Barcelona news: Ernesto Valverde talks Samuel Umtiti to Man Utd and Man City rumours

Barcelona signed Samuel Umtiti in 2016 from Lyon but the France international could soon be on his way out at the Nou Camp.

Manchester United and Manchester City have both been linked with the centre-half an have been tipped to trigger his modest £53million release clause.

However, Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is not concerned the Frenchman will leave and has dismissed claims he will move to the Premier League in January.

"I'm not worried about what clubs might or might not do,” he said ahead of Barca’s Copa del Rey clash at Celta Vigo tomorrow night.

“Umtiti is a great player and we expect him to stay at Barca for many more years and for him to enjoy his football with us.”

However, Valverde did admit the defender’s release clause left Barca in a vulnerable position - especially as it is so low by the current market’s standards.

"To an extent, the buyout clause is made high so that you can't buy the player,” he added.

“But, as time goes by, that fee doesn't seem so high at all.

"But the player still has to want to leave.

“We're very happy with Umtiti and I'm sure he's going to stay here for a very long time."

Umtiti is under contract at the Nou Camp until June 2021 but could be poached if a club decide to activate his buy-out clause.

He has made 19 appearances this term in all competitions but has suffered with a hamstring injury in recent weeks.