Manchester United boss eyes Umtiti’s €60m release clause

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to bolster his defensive options and is targeting a move for Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, reports The Daily Mirror.

The Red Devils spent in the region of £30m to sign Victor Lindelof from Benfica over the summer but the Sweden international has endured a nightmare since making the transition to English football.

With reports that Chris Smalling does not feature in Mourinho’s long-term plans, the United boss will be keen to address the heart of his defence for a third summer in a row.

Mourinho’s has been desperate to reunite with Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane ever since he returned to Chelsea in 2013 but has now given up with the France international now he is established as first choice alongside Sergio Ramos at the Bernabeu.

The United manager is now eyeing a move for Umtiti, who has made a sensational start to the season for La Liga leaders Barcelona.

While it seems unthinkable that Barcelona would even consider selling the France international after just two years at the club, they may be powerless in preventing his exit if United match his €60m (£52.3m) release clause.

However, United’s reported interest may speed up the process of Barcelona handing Umtiti an improved deal.

After failing to replace Jeremy Mathieu in the summer, Barcelona also face the prospect of losing Javier Mascherano at the end of the season. With Gerard Pique approaching his 31st birthday, losing Umtiti would be a disaster for Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Umtiti has completed more passes in his own half of the pitch than any other player in La Liga this season (380).