Share

Manchester United on the hunt for Barca's Umtiti

Manchester United are reportedly chasing the services of Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti as they aim to bolster their defence.

Central defence is an area that needs attention in the transfer window as United look to move on to another level and with both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling expected to head on to pastures new.

Smalling is currently on loan at Serie A side AS Roma, who want him on a permanent basis, while Jones is said to be on the wanted list of Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does have Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and academy prospect Axel Tuanzebe within his ranks but he wants another quality central defender and has drawn up a shortlist.

The Reds have been heavily linked with Kalidou Koulibaly, but the Napoli star could prove to be too expensive and the club are looking at cheaper alternatives.

Umtiti would be just that, but still has the quality required, and even better for United is the fact that Barcelona will be willing to let him move on after he slipped down the pecking order.

The former Lyon star, who joined Barca in 2016 for €30 million, is no longer in the plans of Barca coach Quique Setien, who will sanction the move to raise transfer funds of his own.

United are confident of getting a deal done but are likely to face competition from elsewhere as Umtiti has many years ahead of him at the top and is viewed as a good signing.

Premier League rivals Arsenal are also keen as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta needs at least one central defender and Umtiti is on his list of targets.

If both United and Arsenal match the transfer fee and player's demands it could come down to a straight decision from Umiti over where he will be playing his football next season.

- TEAMtalk media

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE