Umtiti set to end Barca nightmare with ‘Premier League move’
Newcastle are reportedly targeting a £17million move for Barcelona’s out-of-favour defender Samuel Umtiti.
France international Umtiti, who was part of the squad which won the 2018 World Cup, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and was not a regular under Ronald Koeman.
That situation hasn’t changed since Xavi’s appointment last month and with the LaLiga club keen to offload his £220,000-a-week wages, The Sun report that the 28-year-old could leave next month with the relegation-threatened Magpies an option.
The report adds that Umtiti has long been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp, with Arsenal and Chelsea previously interested.
But as a result of a lack of minutes, that interest has quickly disappeared and a move to the north-east may now be a feasible option.
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be looking at reinforcements in the January transfer window – the first opportunity for the Toon to buy players since their Saudi-led takeover of the club in October.
After drawing 1-1 against Manchester United on Monday night, Newcastle are 19th in the table, two points from safety.
They have also been linked with a move for Lille defender Sven Botman.
Umtiti, meanwhile, has also been linked with AC Milan and Benfica as cash-strapped Barca look to offload the left-footed centre back.