Lionel Messi worried, Man Utd preparing swoop for €60million-rated talent

One area in the pitch FC Barcelona can’t afford to see weakened is the backline. However, Argentine sensation Lionel Messi has allegedly learned of some worrying news.

Regular starter

Samuel Umtiti signed for the Catalan club back in 2016 and has since established himself as an important figure at the back.

With Spain international Gerard Pique playing alongside him, they’ve let in only 11 goals in 24 League matches so far this campaign, giving the club the second best defensive record behind just Atletico Madrid in the La Liga.

Need to keep duo

It’s important manager Ernesto Valverde keep Umititi and Pique at the club, considering the club’s lack of quality behind the duo, with winter transfer signing Yerry Mina lacking La Liga experience and Belgian Thomas Vermaelen struggling with injuries.

However, as per Diario Gol, as cited by The Express, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been trying hard to sign Samuel Umtiti, and Lionel Messi has learned of his approaches.

The France international has a €60m buyout clause in his deal, according to report, and so he won’t go for a cheap fee. However, the 24-year-old defender is arguably worth a lot more than that figure having improved pretty well since moving to the La Liga.