Barcelona transfer news: Umtiti fuels transfer speculation, shock bid for Manchester United star and more - 27th March 2018

Samuel Umtiti fuels rumours of a possible summer departure

The Frenchman has turned into one of the best centre-backs in the world after joining from French side, Lyon, in the summer of 2016. In fact, he is arguably the best defender Ernesto Valverde has in his Barcelona side at the moment. However, the Blaugrana are a worried bunch at the moment as contract talks with the 24-year old are at an impasse.

Now, Umtiti himself is not helping the situation for his club either as speculations of a move away continue to increase. Recently, he took part in a quiz show on French television along with Chelsea star Olivier Giroud, where every question was to be answered with a yes, no or a joker.

The joker was the only way to not answer a question and Umtiti chose to exercise that option for two questions, one regarding whether he will extend his contract and the other being whether he would join Manchester United.

Thus Umtiti's behaviour only adds more fuel to the fire. On the other hand, it could just signify the current state as the centre-back is yet to agree on a deal and an offer from United could be waiting for him. Either way, Barcelona need to tie him down quickly or risk losing a vital player in the summer.

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Barcelona plotting surprise bid for Luke Shaw

Outcast

at Old Trafford to playing at Camp Nou?

The left-back has been struggling at Manchester United with Jose Mourinho criticizing him more often than not. Recently, the Englishman was subbed at half-time in the FA Cup quarterfinals against Brighton and all signs point to a summer departure as the 22-year old only has 12 months left on his contract.

Now, the Mirror reports that Barcelona are looking at Luke Shaw as a viable option. The Blaugrana are in the market for a left-back this summer as Lucas Digne has failed to prove himself as an able deputy to Jordi Alba. Thus, the full-back could prove to be the right addition as he can finally unleash his talent at Camp Nou and become a long-term replacement for Alba.

The report states that Shaw is aware of Barcelona interest and he represents a cheaper alternative to Bayern Munich's David Alaba or Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, who are linked as well. The England international will not be easy to sign as Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in his services.

Nonetheless, Barcelona can get a quality player on the cheap and spend the money in other areas if they manage to land Shaw.

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Stefan de Vrij chooses Inter Milan

Staying in Italy?

The Dutchman is set to join Lazio's rivals Inter in the summer on a free transfer if Italian outlet Gazzetta is to be believed. The Italian side accelerated their pursuit for the defender and formalized the agreement as per the report as Barcelona and even Manchester City started lurking around, leading to the 26-year old having second thoughts about a move to Inter.

However, the Nerazzurri have kept tabs on the player for a year and De Vrij is expected to earn €4.2 million plus bonuses every year. Thus, Inter will now dream of a solid defence for years to come with the excellent Milan Skriniar and Miranda already in their ranks.

Meanwhile, this comes as a blow to Barcelona as it would require renewed efforts to sign a top defender and they are not expected to come on the cheap. Further, this makes it imperative to keep Umtiti at all costs or else, the Blaugrana will very well struggle in the coming season.