Barcelona 'prioritise new contract for defender Samuel Umtiti'

Barcelona have reportedly made Samuel Umtiti's contract situation a priority as they do not want to lose the centre-back to a rival club.

The France international has a buyout clause of around £52m in his current deal, which Manchester United are said to be prepared to trigger.

Umtiti has been a key player for Barca during their double-winning campaign of 2017-18, featuring 38 times in all competitions, and the Catalan giants are now keen to tie him down to a longer contract.

Spanish outlet Marca claims that agreeing fresh terms with the 24-year-old is seen as more important than pushing through a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, who they are in no rush to sign.

The same report also suggests that Umtiti, a £20m signing from Lyon in 2016, will be brought in line with Gerard Pique in terms of his earnings.