Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Deulofeu

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti is reportedly a target for Manchester City, while Gerard Deulofeu is said to be wanted by AC Milan, Napoli, Roma and Inter Milan this winter.

Umtiti has a release clause of just €60 million, which has attracted interest from Pep Guardiola's side, who are keen to strengthen their defence, per L'Equipe (h/t Sport).

The French defender has been willing to listen to City's offer, and a transfer has not been completely ruled out.

Umtiti has played a starring role for Barcelona this season and is part of the best defence in Europe, per Ben Hayward at Goal:

In the current climate, a €60 million release clause for one of Europe's best defenders looks cheap, particularly in light of Virgil van Dijk's recent £75 million move to Liverpool.

However, Sport Witness provide a bit more background to the original report:

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has also spoken about Umtiti's future and said he is "sure he's going to stay here for a very long time," per FourFourTwo.

Umtiti's relatively low release clause does leave Barcelona vulnerable to an approach, yet there is no suggestion the centre-back is unhappy at Camp Nou.

However, the club may need to prioritise a new contract, including a higher release clause, in order to secure his long-term future and ward off any potential interest.

Meanwhile, Deulofeu could leave in January in a €20 million deal after attracting plenty of interest, per La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Marca).

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Inter are said to be favourites to sign the winger, who could leave either in a permanent deal or on a loan until the end of the season.

Deulofeu has failed to make much of an impression at Barcelona since returning to the club in the summer.

The 23-year-old has made just five starts in La Liga this season and has not featured since November, although he did pick up an injury at the very end of the year.

Deulofeu could also find his first-team chances further restricted by the return to fitness of Ousmane Dembele. 

Barcelona have confirmed that their summer signing is now fit and ready for selection after surgery on a thigh injury:

The club may also need to sell players this winter if they succeed in bringing in Philippe Coutinho, per Will Griffee for MailOnline (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Deulofeu is very much on the periphery of Barcelona's first team at the moment, and if the club do need to raise funds, they may well be willing to listen to offers for him.