Manchester United have made an approach for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as talks over a new contract with the Catalans has stalled over the Frenchman’s wage demands.
Umtiti wants Barcelona to double his current salary but they are reluctant to meet his demands and wants him to accept a smaller increase.
The France international believes the club are showing him a lack of disrespect by refusing to offer him a salary that fits his status as a first-team star with the Catalans and the break in negotiations have alerted Manchester United.
Jose Mourinho wants to add a centre-back and a midfielder to his squad in this summer and they have reportedly approached Umtiti to take advantage of the stalled talks over a new deal.
Umtiti favours staying in Spain but United would not have to negotiate with the Catalans to buy the former Lyon man as they only need to meet his release clause of £54m which United can well afford to activate it.
Victor Lindelof was signed from Benfica for £30m last summer but he has failed to impress at Old Trafford.
Eric Bailly is considered to be United’s number one centre-back but has failed to strike up a regular partnership with anyone due to injury problems at the club.
