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Samuel Umtiti makes Manchester United transfer decision after phone calls from Jose Mourinho

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Samuel Umtiti makes Man Utd transfer decision after phone calls from Jose Mourinho — The Frenchmans modest buyout clause has made him hot property (Picture: Getty)

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti looks increasingly likely to sign a contract extension with the Catalan club despite interest from Manchester United, according to reports.

The France international was identified by Jose Mourinho as the player to solve Uniteds defensive problems, and it was even claimed that the coach had made a series of phone calls to Umtiti.

However, despite Mourinho being in regular contact, Spanish newspaper Marca report that the centre-back has decided to snub a move to Old Trafford this summer.

Despite the overtures of Mourinho, Umtiti is happy and settled at Camp Nou and the feeling among the Barca hierarchy is that the 24-year-old has decided to stay.

Barca will now press ahead with plans to offer the Frenchman a new contract that will both increase his salary and, significantly, bump up his release clause of just £52m.

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Interesting, Marca believe that Mourinho and United actually went cold on Umtiti some time ago and no longer have any plans to move for the former Lyon defender.

However, the door is not completely closed on a transfer, with Umtitis camp happy to wait until after the World Cup to renew – when his stock will be highest – while Barca are keen to secure his future before the end of the season.

Presentador: Et queden 2 anys de contracte, el Barça et vol renovar, la teva prioritat és renovar?

Umtiti: 'Joker'.

Presentador: Es parla de l'interès del Manchester United aquestes últimes setmanes, et podria interessar?

Umtiti: 'Joker'.

(via @telefoot_TF1) pic.twitter.com/1pHMLVUUuF

— La Graderia (@LaGraderia) March 26, 2018

Umtiti was recently asked about his future while on international duty with Les Bleus and gave a rather cryptic response.

He was given the option to dodge a series of yes/no questions by answering joker, and said exactly that when asked both about his future at Barcelona and the likelihood of him joining Mourinho at Old Trafford.