Umtiti’s exit is a very real possibility (Picture: AP)

Barcelona have accepted that Samuel Umtiti will join Manchester United this summer according to reports, although they are still fighting to keep hold of the France international and have drawn up a three-man shortlist to replace the centre-back.

Umtiti has been in regular contact with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who is desperately attempting to persuade him to move to Old Trafford.

Though Umtiti is thought to be willing to stay with the Catalan giants, the 24-year-old has yet to agree terms on a new deal and Barcelona chiefs are increasingly fearful that he will leave.

Will Mourinho land Umtiti? (Picture: Getty)

The centre-half has a release clause of just £52million and it’s a very real possibility that he could join Mourinho in Manchester, according to Sport.




Barcelona are afraid of losing such a key player and have already prepared a contingency plan for his potential exit.

Upamecano is on their list of replacements (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Lenglet is an alternative target (Picture: AP)

Club chiefs have drawn up a three-man shortlist, with RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, Schalke’s 21-year-old defender Thilo Kehrer and Sevilla’s Clement Lenglet all being targeted.

The new arrival would likely partner Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barcelona defence, with Umtiti expected to take his place alongside Eric Bailly at the Theatre of Dreams.