Barcelona Transfer News: Samuel Umtiti Talks Stall in Latest Rumours

Barcelona have reportedly seen talks over a new contract for defender Samuel Umtiti stall as the centre-back is said to be unsatisfied with the club's first offer, per Sport's Toni Frieros.

The Catalan giants are willing to make a "huge effort" to keep the France international at the Camp Nou, but they will have to raise their offer or they risk losing him, as his release clause is just €60 million (£52.5 million).

Umtiti has developed into one of Europe's finest central defenders since joining the club from Lyon in 2016 on a five-year deal. He has become a crucial member of the team at the heart of the defence alongside Gerard Pique.

Barcelona remain undefeated in La Liga and have the best defence in the Spanish top flight having conceded just 13 goals in 29 games, with Umtiti key to that run.

Unsurprisingly, his performances have attracted interest from around the continent, particularly as his release clause is relatively low for such a quality player who is still only 24.

Barcelona therefore need to renew his contract and raise his release clause in order to secure his long-term future and ward off interested parties.

Marca's Chris Winterburn said Umtiti is happy at Barca, but the release clause is a problem:

Manchester United are interested in the Frenchman and want to take advantage of the breakdown in negotiations, per David McDonnell and Jacob Murtagh at the Mirror.

However, football writer Liam Canning said Umtiti is using interest from United to get a better offer from Barcelona:

Appearing on French television show TF1, Umtiti was asked about his future and interest from the Red Devils while on international duty with France, but he refused to answer the questions, per Marca.

Barcelona are considering replacements for Umtiti should he leave and are keen on RB Leipzig's Dayot Upamecano and Schalke's Thilo Kehrer, according to the Mirror report.

Umtiti has been one of Barcelona's most effective players this season and may feel his contract does not reflect his performances and his importance to the team. His current deal is also a problem for Barcelona, particularly if a club were to activate his release clause.

There's no sign that Umtiti is unhappy at Barcelona, and with the club still on course in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey, they will expect to finish the season with some silverware.

Yet securing the Frenchman's future must now be a priority for the Catalan giants or, like Neymar in summer 2017, they risk losing one of their star players and will be powerless to prevent his exit.