Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti to strengthen defence
Portuguese boss is in a dispute with the Red Devils board over transfers
JOSE MOURINHO wants Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti to strengthen his defence, according to reports.
The Portuguese boss is at loggerheads with the Manchester United board over funds to sign new players in January.
And he has sent out a statement of intent by putting the France international on his winter wishlist.
Despite spending £300million in less than 18 months, Mourinho has made a centre-half top of his priority list.
He splashed out £30m on Victor Lindelof from Benfica but the 23-year-old has played just 68 minutes of Premier League football since his summer arrival.
Question marks remain over Chris Smalling with the centre-back recently dropped from the England side by Gareth Southgate.
Mourinho has come to the realisation that his side aren't strong enough to challenge bitter rivals Manchester City to the Premier League title.
The Red Devils are already eight points behind Pep Guardiola's men following their 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend.
I NEED MOUR Jose Mourinho set for war with Manchester United board over transfer funds
But Umtiti won't come cheaply with a contract at the Nou Camp until 2021.
The Mirror claim he has a £53million release clause in his deal at Barcelona and Mourinho believes it could prove to be a bargain in the long run if he can lure him to Old Trafford.
Antoine Griezmann is one name again being linked to Manchester, according to reports.
The Atletico Madrid striker came close to joining last summer but the deal never went through.
Now he is being criticised by the board at the Vicente Calderon and could attract the interest of Mourinho again despite his enormous £175m release clause in his contract.
