Samuel Umtiti Reportedly Wants Barcelona Stay Despite Manchester United Threat

Manchester United reportedly still face a fight to lure Samuel Umtiti to Old Trafford this summer following reports the defender wants to sign a new deal at Barcelona, despite claims he's ready to leave unless properly rewarded. 

It emerged earlier this week that Umtiti is threatening to leave the Camp Nou if he doesn't get the contract he desires, but Mundo Deportivo (h/t MailOnline's Matthew Smith) said the Frenchman wishes to stay in Catalonia.

According to the report, the 24-year-old is "keen to remain" in Barcelona and is settled in the city, where he feels he's more likely to win major silverware than he would be if he were to move to England.

While his title ambitions may be better served at the Camp Nou, recent reports suggest it's United who are willing to pull out all the financial stops. Earlier in March, Sport Witness cited Sport and mentioned manager Jose Mourinho's alleged involvement in United's pursuit:

It's said the France international is targeting a new annual income of £8 million—about £150,000 per week—which United are thought to be willing to pay along with triggering his £53 million release clause.

Umtiti has been a revelation in defence for the Blaugrana since he joined from Lyon in 2016.

Yahoo's Andrew Gaffney agreed his quicker-than-expected rise has put him in a position of power in regards to contract negotiations:

Javier Mascherano departed the Camp Nou for Chinese Super League outfit Hebei China Fortune in January, but the emergence of Umtiti means the club could have a reliable figure for years to come.

Barcelona are top scorers in La Liga this season with 74 goals—Real Madrid are just behind with 73—but their title charge has also been built on a defence that's conceded only 13 times in 29 games and is yet to lose this term.

Bleacher Report's Matt Jones lauded the work of the side's defensive stars in particular, Umtiti standing out among them:

The issue for Barcelona is contending with the figures United are willing to match. The Red Devils could do with an upgrade at centre-back to find Eric Bailly a similarly talented partner, and Umtiti appears to fit that bill.

AS (h/t Sport Witness) previously reported "there's a long way to go" before Umtiti and his current employers come to an agreement, which could allow United to swoop.

Barcelona are runaway leaders in La Liga this season and are through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, as well as the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, which they are hoping to retain.

It's those credentials that give the Catalan club an advantage, and although the defender wants to stay, his desire to receive the compensation he sees fit could still open the door to a Premier League switch.