Manchester United make move to sign Barcelona defender

Manchester United have reportedly opened up discussions with Barcelona to secure the services of French defender Samuel Umtiti.

The Red Devils have placed a keen emphasis on strengthening the backline this summer and they have already agreed a deal to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Mancunian giants are now keen on pursuing a central defender and Umtiti has been identified as one of the targets to bolster the position.

The same publication adds that the club have begun negotiations with Barcelona regarding the Frenchman, who has become out-of-favour under manager Ernesto Valverde.

Umtiti suffered a couple of muscular concerns during the opening half of the previous season and that eventually hampered his gametime with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet favoured for the central defensive roles.

The Catalan giants are currently making a desperate move to pursue Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax ahead of other suitors, and a deal for the Dutchman could pave the way for Umtiti's exit.