By George Aluo
Barcelona have declared that they would be ready to sell their defense strongman, Samuel Umtiti this summer to Manchester United if the English Premier League side is ready to cough out 45 million pounds (about N22.5bn).
Agency reports monitored in Lagos shows that United may opt to go for Umtiti instead of Leicester City’s Harry Maguire who would cost them over 70 million pounds.
It would be noted that Manchester United have held talks with Barcelona about potentially signing Umtiti and the Catalan giants have decided offloading the centre-back is an option this summer.
According to reports coming out of Spain, Barcelona will listen to offers and want at least £45m for Umtiti.
United have struggled to convince Leicester City to part with Harry Maguire, but have lodged a £70m offer for the England international.
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Umtiti, who has also been linked with Arsenal, is seen as an alternative to Maguire and would cost considerably less than the coveted defender. Manchester City are also chasing Maguire and United may feel prizing Umtiti away from Barcelona is the easier task.
Umtiti, 25, has been first-choice at Barcelona since his arrival three years ago, but saw his 2018/19 season disrupted by injury.
Barcelona were also concerned by Umtiti’s tactics during talks about his contract renewal and were annoyed to see him back Antoine Griezmann’s decision to turn down a move to the Nou Camp last year.
The France international wants to stay at Barcelona, but the club are in no rush to push him out the door. While Juventus have also shown an interest in Umtiti, neither the Italians or United have made an official offer.