Samuel Umtiti 'refusing to leave Barcelona'

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has reportedly refused offers to leave the club in the January transfer window.

The World Cup-winning defender has only made one appearance for the Blaugrana all season and is not thought to be in Xavi's plans moving forward.

With Barcelona unable to register new signing Ferran Torres until they can trim their wage bill further, the club are reportedly determined to offload high-earning fringe players such as Umtiti.

However, Sport claims that the 28-year-old is desperate for one last chance to regain his place in the Blaugrana team and has no intention of leaving the club this month.

The report adds that Umtiti has rejected as many as five offers to move elsewhere, with the centre-back holding out for a move to a Champions League club amid interest from Fenerbahce and Newcastle United.

Umtiti has made 133 appearances for Barcelona in total since arriving from Lyon in 2016, and he still has 18 months left to run on his existing contract.