MANCHESTER UNITED have been knocked back in their efforts to sign Samuel Umtiti after the player revealed his intentions to stay at Barcelona.
The 24-year-old has been continuously linked with a move to Old Trafford, as Jose Mourinho looks to bolster his backline in the summer.
Umtiti featured 40 times in all competitions under Ernesto Valverde this season, but his future at the Nou Camp has been under question in recent weeks.
The French international is tied down at the La Liga champions until 2021, but has a release clause of just £52.5million.
However speaking to L’Equipe, the ex-Lyon centre-back has stressed his desire to stay with Barca, and stated he will only leave if he is forced out the club.
He said: “It is clear that I want to renew my contract at Barcelona and I hope to be with the team next season.
“I’m at a club that allowed me to realise my dream of playing there.
“I’m still under contract at the moment. So for me to leave, either they throw me out the door or I decide to leave.”
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As well as being linked with Umtiti, United are also desperate to lure Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to the Theatre of Dreams.
While they are also reportedly eyeing up a shock move for Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish.
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