Manchester United are expected to move for defensive reinforcements in the summer.
Jose Mourinho has already confirmed that the club will not be looking to sign an more attacking players at the season’s end, suggesting he will be prioritising additions to his midfield and defence ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
With many of the club’s supporters unconvinced by Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, it’s perhaps little surprise to see that it’s a central defender that reportedly tops Mourinho’s list.
According to Sport, Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti could be his main target.
Their report claims that United have been in contact with the French international’s brother and agent, Yannick, and even made an attempt to bring the player to Old Trafford in January.
The 24-year-old is said to have a release clause of just over £50m in his current deal, which Barca would like him to extend ahead of the World Cup. He joined the Spanish club from Lyon in 2016 and has gone on to establish himself as the partner for Gerard Pique in the heart of their defence.
Although it seems unlikely he’d be tempted to leave the Camp Nou for Manchester, the same report claims Mourinho has called him regularly to try and persuade him to make the move, using international teammates Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba to try and sell the club to him.
