Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho switches transfer focus from Real Madrid to Barcelona

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho reportedly wants to sign Samuel Umtiti from La Liga giants Barcelona.

Samuel Umtiti - 5 things you need to know

Manchester United could sign a new centre-back when the transfer window opens in January, with summer signing Victor Lindelof struggling to adjust to life in England.

The Sweden international signed from Benfica for £30million but has toiled since, costing the Red Devils against Huddersfield last month.

Speculation has been rife that Mourinho wants to land Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who he signed from Lens during his time at the Bernabeu.

But Spanish website Diario Gol says the Manchester United manager has now turned his attentions away from the capital, and is now eying a move for Barcelona defender Umtiti.

The France international signed for the Catalan giants after catching the eye at Euro 2016.

And he has been in fine form ever since, helping Barcelona win the Copa del Rey last term and take La Liga by storm so far this season.

His performances have even been compared to those of club legend Carles Puyol, with Barcelona having struggled to replace the World Cup winner since his retirement in 2014.

Diario Gol say, however, Mourinho wants to prise him away from the Nou Camp.

The 54-year-old has ran out of patience with Varane, who is supposedly eying the Real Madrid captaincy when Sergio Ramos steps down.

United are reportedly ready to treble Umtiti's wages in a bid to convince him his future lies in the Premier League.

Man Utd news Jose Mourinho Barcelona Real MadridGETTY

Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho has given up on Real Madrid star Raphael Varane

Man Utd news Jose Mourinho Barcelona Real MadridGETTY

Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho rates Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti

Barcelona could struggle to compete with the Red Devils' financial might - with the need to balance the books greater than ever.

The Catalan giants want to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, despite seeing three bids fail back in the summer.

And in order to do that they will have to offload several stars, with Paco Alcacer, Denis Suarez and Arda Turan among the likeliest departures.

However, should United present them a huge offer for Umtiti, the 23-year-old could be the one shown the door instead. 

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