Transfer News: Manchester United target Samuel Umtiti demands bumper wages from Barcelona

Samuel Umtiti is reportedly set to demand same wages at Barcelona, that Manchester United are prepared to shell out for him, if he is to sign a new contract

Manchester United target Samuel Umtiti wants the same pay package at his current club Barcelona, that the Red Devils were willing to offer him in the January transfer window, claims a report from Spanish outlet Sport.

Reportedly, Manchester United were intent on signing the Frenchman in the recently shut January transfer window, with manager Jose Mourinho understood to be keen on strengthening his backline.

The Portuguese was even willing to match the €60 million release clause in Umtiti’s contract with Barcelona and Manchester United were also prepared to offer wages of a little over €100,000 per week after taxes to get the player on their books.

However, no move materialized and the Frenchman stayed put with the current La Liga leaders. Umtiti, whose existing deal with Barcelona runs till the summer of 2021, is understood to have opened initial talks with the Blaugrana over a new contract, with the club also keen on securing his long-term future at the Camp Nou.

Negotiations are under way for an extension up until the summer of 2024, but Umtiti has now reportedly demanded the same €6-million-a-year pay packet that Manchester United were offering him. This would be a major bump-up from his current salary and would make him one of the highest paid players at Barcelona.

Umtiti joined the Catalans back in the summer of 2016 from Olympique Lyon and went on to establish himself as a regular in the first-team with a series of impressive performances in his debut campaign. The 24-year old has continued to enhance his burgeoning reputation with a solid start to the 2017-18 season as well.

The 14-time capped France international has featured on 25 occasions for Barca this term, having spent a brief time on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and is seen as an integral part in the future of the club. The Catalans are keen on securing a new deal for the player, given that his release clause stands at just €60 million, which leaves them exposed to offers from cash-rich clubs.

Manchester United are likely to come back for Umtiti in the summer, considering that Mourinho has taken a personal interest in getting the player signed up. However, with talks over a new deal underway already, the Premier League side could find it difficult to snare away the Frenchman from Spain.