Transfer Centre

Manchester City 'hold talks with Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 03 January 2018

Manchester City reportedly hold talks with Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti after showing a willingness to meet the defender's release clause.

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Manchester City.

Since moving to Camp Nou ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, Umtiti has established himself as a first-team regular with 61 starts being made in all competitions.

However, according to L'Equipe, the French international's release clause currently stands at £53.2m and City are ready to capitalise on the situation.

The report claims that City have already held discussions with the 24-year-old's representatives and Umtiti is said to have asked for time to consider the move.

City boss Pep Guardiola has previously insisted that the club would not pay big transfer fees for new signings, but ongoing injury concerns over Vincent Kompany has led to the Spaniard having to reconsider his stance.

Manchester United are also said to be considering a move for Umtiti.