Samuel Umtiti confirms interest in triggering his Barca release clause amid Man Utd links

Posted Wednesday, April 04, 2018 by squawka.com

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has admitted that he is aware of the release clause in his contract amid rumours of interest from Manchester United.

Umtiti made the move to Catalan giants in 2016 from French side Lyon for a fee of €25m. He has since made 76 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, establishing himself as one of the clubs key defensive players.

The French international's form has helped the club perform to their maximum this season, reportedly alerting the likes of Manchester United, in activating his €60m release clause.

However, the player has admitted that although the clause is something he is aware of, he is concentrating all his efforts on the pitch rather than off it.

"My clause isn't much. Everyone is aware of that. It's something that concerns me, but doesn't interest me," he said, speaking to Canal Plus.

"I'm really about the pitch, about enjoying myself. The truth is that there is interest from several clubs.

"But I have so many objectives to achieve with Barcelona that there isn't any question of it. Things go very, very, very quickly in this world. All that I can say is that I'm very happy."

The French centre-back also denied any contract discussions with his current club, insisting that there has been no talk about extending his current deal.

"It's a subject I don't want to talk about too much," Umtiti continued.

"From my side, nothing has started. There is perhaps an interest from their side, but nothing has started."

Currently leading at the top of La Liga, Barcelona also have a Champions League quarter-final to contend with against AS Roma as well as a Copa del Rey final against Sevilla.