Samuel Umtiti Reportedly Close to New Barcelona Contract Amid Man United Rumours

Barcelona are reportedly close to agreeing a new contract with star defender Samuel Umtiti, although the delay of official confirmation of the extension may hand Manchester United the chance to sign the centre-back. 

According to Kris Voakes and Ignasi Oliva of Goal, fresh terms for Umtiti at the Camp Nou have already been agreed, although Barcelona are not in a position to formally confirm the deal yet because of their need to adhere to financial fair play regulations.

"Having splashed out a club-record €160 million (£142 million) on the signing of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in January, Barca are not in a position to pay out on Umtiti's new deal this season without breaking the artificial ceiling put in place by FFP," Voakes and Oliva reported.

Barcelona and Umtiti have reached a "gentleman's agreement" that a deal will be signed when the new financial season starts for 2018-19 on July 1.

As such, it means the France international will be tied to his current contract for another four months, with the €60 million (£53 million) release clause in his deal remaining active.

United are said to be interested in signing the defender, with manager Jose Mourinho reportedly keen on adding more defensive options to his squad.

Since moving from Lyon to the Camp Nou in 2016, Umtiti has gone from strength to strength, with the defender now arguably the most important part of the back line at Barcelona. These numbers from OptaJose would back up that assertion:

The 24-year-old has showcased many positive attributes in partnership with Gerard Pique for the Blaugrana.

Of the two defenders, it's the Frenchman who is the enforcer, as he is dominant in the air, strong in the tackle and boasts the dynamism needed to match the majority of forwards. Being left-footed, he also adds a balance to the Barca defence.

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Factor in Umtiti's composure in possession and he's arguably the perfect defender for the Catalan club. With that in mind, a potential price of €60 million might be viewed as a bargain by a lot of European sides.

Patrick Boyland believes he's been the standout centre-back in Spanish football this season:

United would benefit from the arrival of such a commanding player, especially given Mourinho has struggled to settle on a balance at the back throughout 2017-18.

Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette believes United need to spend big on a player who will be a linchpin in defence for years to come:

While United have the financial clout to meet the clause in Umtiti's contract, any successful offer would need to be matched by interest in the move from the player. The Red Devils have shown in the past they are willing to pay huge wages to tempt high-class footballers to the club.

But it's difficult to see why Umtiti would want to leave a club such as Barcelona, where he could lead the defence for years to come, play a tremendous style of football and win numerous pieces of silverware.