Man United on ‘red alert’ as Barcelona delay new Umtiti deal

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the situation at Camp Nou following reports that Barcelona have stalled on a new deal for Frenchman Samuel Umtiti.

According to Diario Gol, United boss Jose Mourinho has contacted the France international’s representatives about joining the Red Devils. But it is claimed that goalkeeper David De Gea has leaked details about the potential swoop to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

De Gea has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu after a previous attempt to join the Spanish giants collapsed in 2015.

And in a bid to get in Perez’s good books it seems the Spain international has informed him of Mourinho’s summer transfer plans.

Umtiti is looking for a pay rise at Barcelona after establishing himself as a regular in Ernesto Valverde’s starting XI this term.

He currently earns £2.66million (€3m) a year under the terms of the five-year contract he penned upon joining from Lyon in 2016.

Umtiti is attracting plenty of interest due to a £53m (€60m) release clause in his deal.

Diario Gol claim Gerard Pique has urged Nou Camp chiefs to improve Umtiti’s contract to kill off the speculation.

Speaking last month as quoted by The Express, Pique claimed the 24-year-old will commit his future to the club.

“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,” he said.