Barcelona transfer news: Umtiti confirms Man United interest, Shaw unlikely to join Barca and more, 2nd April 2018

Samuel Umtiti confirms Manchester United interest

The Frenchman is a wanted man across Europe as his current release clause of €60 million does not do justice to his talents. The 24-year old is arguably the most important centre-back at Barcelona, considering his performances and age. However, his release clause makes him a steal for any top European club.

Now, Umtiti himself spoke about the intense speculation surrounding his future and said:

"It’s not only Manchester United. Other clubs want me as well, but my sole focus is on Barcelona. It was my dream to play at Barça. And I achieved it when I was just 22. I’m very happy here, whenever I play and whenever I train.

"Negotiations for a contract renewal have not started yet. My release clause is low, but that’s not what I worry about, I focus on the pitch."

On one hand, this is worrisome news for the Blaugrana as the defender reveals contract talks have not started yet while several clubs are interested in his services. On the other hand, this could be a scare tactic by Umtiti to get the wages he wants as it was done before by several players in Spain such as Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona fans will prefer the second scenario than the first as the player can be expected to stay in that case.

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Steve Nicol believes Luke Shaw will not end up at Barcelona

Shaw is not expected to go to Barcelona

The left-back has struggled to nail down a first-team spot with veteran midfielder Ashley Young being Jose Mourinho's first choice for the role. The Englishman has constantly been criticised by the United boss and was recently subbed at half-time against Brighton in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

This has led to speculation about Shaw's future and now former Liverpool legend, Steve Nicol, addressed the rumoured interest from Barcelona on the 22-year old. He said:

“I don’t see it at all. Barcelona don’t need a left-back. Jordi Alba is doing very well. Luke Shaw wants to go and play. If Luke Shaw wants to go and play somewhere, he is not playing at Barcelona. It makes no sense for Luke Shaw. It’s not happening.”

Nicol does make a sensible point that Shaw would want regular game-time wherever he goes next. If he does join Barcelona, then he will be Alba's back-up, however, the lure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football could convince him as well.

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Umtiti reveals discussions with Griezmann

Agent Umtiti to snap Griezmann for Barcelona?

Both Umtiti and Griezmann play for France and the latter has been heavily linked to the Blaugrana for quite some time now. However, nothing official has come out either from Barcelona or Atletico Madrid and this looks to drag on this summer.

However, Umtiti gave Barcelona's hopes a huge boost by revealing his discussions with the 27-year old superstar. The former Lyon defender said:

"With Griezmann, I put myself in agent mode! It's true that we talk a lot about it, but it was just to know what he thinks of Barca. If he comes, we will play with six attackers!"

Thus agent Umtiti could be doing the Catalan outfit a huge favour which could secure the signing of a world-class forward and also secure the long-term future of the 24-year old centre-back in the process.