Barcelona 'step up efforts to renew Samuel Umtiti contract'

Barcelona are reportedly redoubling their efforts to keep defender Samuel Umtiti in Spain amid reports linking him with Manchester United.

The club recently opened talks with the player's agent about renewing his contract, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Umtiti is under contract with the Catalan outfit until 2021 but his current deal is said to include a €60m (£52m) release clause that interested parties could trigger.

Reports linking the 24-year-old with the Barca exit emerged following rumours that the club's hierarchy was displeased with his performance last week's 3-0 defeat at Roma, which knocked them out of the Champions League.

Umtiti joined Barca from French outfit Lyon in 2016.