Barca Coach: Man United target 'is very happy here'
The Bleus international’s situation is a particular one: because Barca have spent so much on big names like Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho, as well as renewing Lionel Messi’s massive deal, they can’t afford to offer Umtiti a new contract.
Yet in his second season the former Lyon man has proved to be worth every penny of the € 25 million that the Catalans have spent.
"I don’t know what Umtiti’s said, I have not followed his comments," Valverde said.
"What I understand is that he’s really happy to be here and we’re very happy with him.
"We hope the negotiations go well and that he’s here for many more years, because he’s means a lot on and off the pitch."
Until Barca they can reach a gentlemen’s agreement - by which Umtiti agrees to deal which he will only sign next season - the 25-year-old has a release clause of only €60m, which has attracted a number of predators, including Manchester United.
Umtiti recently confirmed that he had received offers, and the Red Devils are believed to be one of the suitors.