Man Utd Close-In On £52m Signing As Club Identify Replacement For Want-Away Star

The transfer window is closed but managers are working hard on their plans for the summer so we’ll bring you all the latest gossip from around the globe. Today, the latest on Samuel Umtiti’s proposed move to Man Utd…

Manchester United are closing in on the £52.6m signing of Samuel Umtiti after Barcelona identified Clement Lenglet as his replacement, according to a report in the Mirror.

Umtiti has been an integral part of Ernesto Valverde’s starting eleven this season after developing in to one of the best young defenders in Europe following his move from Lyon in 2016.

However, the 24-year-old’s future at the Nou Camp is in serious doubt as talks over a new contract have failed to progress with Barca reportedly refusing to meet the player’s hefty wage demands.

It’s led to speculation Umtiti could be heading to the Premier League with the Mirror claiming that the want-away defender is closing-in on a move to Man Utd this summer.

The French international has a very reasonable release clause worth £52.6m in his current contract and Umtiti admitted earlier this week that United were among the clubs chasing his signature.

Jose Mourinho is expected to sign a top class centre-back this summer with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling being linked with moves away from Old Trafford and Umtiti is seemingly a prime target.

It looks like United have now been handed a boost as the Mirror claim that Barca are planning for life without the Frenchman after identifying Clement Lenglet as his replacement.

The 22-year-old has starred for Sevilla this season to help them reach the quarter finals of the Champions League and it seems Barca are now hoping to lure him to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

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That would pave the way for Umtiti to complete a move to United and I think he’d be a superb addition to Mourinho’s squad if the Red Devils could lure him to Manchester this summer.