Manchester United eye Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti

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Samuel Umtiti has been a Barcelona regular since joining the club in 2016
The France defender has a release clause standing at £53million
Manchester United could meet the clause in order to bolster their defence

Published: 08:11 EDT, 9 November 2017 | Updated: 09:02 EDT, 9 November 2017

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Manchester United have identified Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as a target and hope to take advantage of his £53million release clause.

The France defender has been a Nou Camp regular since his £21m move from Lyon in the summer of 2016, making 58 appearances.

But United boss Mourinho believes his release clause offers enticing value and is considering a move for the centre-half.

Manchester United have identified Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as a target

Umtiti, pictured in France training, has a £53million Barcelona release clause

Mourinho signed Victor Lindelof for £30million from Benfica in the summer but the Sweden international has made an unconvincing start to life at Old Trafford.

An error-strewn display from the 23-year-old contributed to a 2-1 defeat by Huddersfield last month.

He is yet to start in the Premier League, with his substitute appearance at the John Smith's Stadium following an 89th minute cameo in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

By contrast, Umtiti has enjoyed an impressive campaign to date with La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Mourinho is considering meeting the release clause in order to bolster his United defence

Victor Lindelof, a United summer defensive signing, has a made a slow start at Old Trafford

He has played 15 times under Ernesto Valverde, with Barca already carving out a four-point lead over second-place Valencia with 31 points from 11 games.

Umtiti is in the France squad for upcoming friendly matches against Wales and Germany on Friday and Tuesday respectively.

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