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Jose Mourinho makes private phone call to lure Barcelona centre-back

27 March 2018 - 18:09

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reported to have made a private phone call to discuss contractual terms with Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.

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The France international has made over 70 appearances for Barcelona since his switch in 2016 but his future has come under question in recent weeks amid the Catalan giants' reluctance to offer him an improved deal.

According to Sport, United boss Jose Mourinho is doing his part to lure Umtiti from the Camp Nou after discussing a suitable contract offer with the former Lyon graduate, via a private phone call.

United are willing to match Umtiti's £150,000-a-week demands, and the club will have the chance to acquire his services via the £52m release clause on his existing contract.

Nevertheless, any deal may have to be sorted out before the start of the World Cup as the defender may produce a strong showing with France which may attract suitors from elsewhere.

Barcelona are already said to be on the search for a replacement for Umtiti with Sport suggesting that the defender has been distancing himself from matters related to the club.

Written by Sri Aswin