Man Utd suffer major transfer blow as £52m star closes on new deal

Barcelona are allegedly confident that they are close to securing a new deal for Manchester United transfer target Samuel Umtiti.

Mourinho pen down Umtiti

United manager Jose Mourinho has pencilled down Umtiti as his top centre-half transfer target this summer transfer window, but it seems that Barcelona are keen on keeping their man.

According to Spanish transfer expert Guillem Balague, the defender’s poor display against Serie A side AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League has softened his negotiation position.

Defender under deal till 2021

The defender is under contract with FC Barcelona until the summer of 2021 but widespread rumour has linked the central defender with a transfer away from the Catalan club this summer.

The Nou Camp giant have so far failed to make the 24-year-old to sign a new, improved deal that would bring about a rise in his current £52m buyout clause.

United willing to pay

The Red Devils are set to meet Umtiti’s salary demands, which are believed to be about £7.9million-yearly mark, but Balague suggests that FC Barcelona could distort Manchester United’s attempts to sign the player.

With the defender seemingly off United’s reach, the Old Trafford club will have to look elsewhere – which include Raphael Varane, Toby Alderweireld and, Jonny Evans.