Report: Manchester United lining up £46m Samuel Umtiti bid

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Barcelona over Samuel Umtiti and they are ready to make an offer for the centre-back.

The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their backline in the final week of the transfer window and have grown frustrated in their pursuit of Leicester City's Harry Maguire.

Leicester are believed to be after more than £80m for Maguire and United are only willing to pay £70m.

Umtiti has previously been touted as a cheaper alternative and, according to Le 10 Sport, United have stepped up their interest in the Frenchman.

The report indicates that Barcelona are willing to sell the 25-year-old, who lost his place in the side last season after recovering from injury, for around £55m, but United intend to start the bidding at £46m.

Since joining Barca from Lyon in 2016, Umtiti has made 97 appearances for the club.