Man Utd transfer news: Samuel Umtiti to confirm Barcelona decision this week
SAMUEL UMTITI will commit his future to Barcelona in the coming days ending Manchester United’s pursuit, according to reports in Spain.
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Umtiti was Jose Mourinho’s top defensive target coming into the summer.
He was embroiled in a contract stand off with Barcelona and Manchester United were keen to swoop in and trigger his £53m release clause.
But Sport claim he will pen a new deal at Barcelona this week with the club agreeing to increase his salary.
Umtiti’s lawyers are expected in the city on Wednesday and Thursday to ratify the deal.
"It's clear that I want to renew at Barca and I hope to be in the team next season,” said Umtiti in L'Equipe.
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“I’m at a club that has helped me realise my dream. I have a contract and for me to go they will have to kick me out, I will not decide to leave.”
And Mourinho will now have to look elsewhere to strengthen his defence.
United are hoping to sign Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk this week and have made central defence a priority position to strengthen.
United have also been linked to Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire as Mourinho hunts for a new partner to Eric Bailly, who found himself out of the team at the end of the season.
Bailly is still regarded as United’s first choice centre-back and doubts remain over Victor Lindelof, who could be loaned out this summer.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling came under fire at times and struggle with injuries while Marcos Rojo also has injury issues.
Daley Blind is set to leave this summer and Mourinho is looking to add to his squad to challenge Manchester City.