Premier League outfit looking at Barcelona’s Umtiti as an alternative to Botman

Barcelona continue to face problems in their efforts to offload injury-prone defender Samuel Umtiti.

The Frenchman has been long out of favour at Camp Nou, given his injury issues and struggles when given a chance to play. The Catalans had made several attempts to offload the 28-year-old during the summer but were unable to find suitors, while the defender convinced Joan Laporta to give him another chance.

However, things have not improved since, with the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner featuring just once all season. The Catalans are again trying to get the defender off the books, but have had little luck.

There had been interest from Fenerbahce, but Umtiti turned them down as he wants to move to a competitive team with a better sporting project.

Now, though, SPORT is reporting that Premier League outfit Newcastle United have emerged as a potential destination for the French international.

The Magpies are in the market for defensive reinforcements as they look to push away from the threat of relegation from the Premier League. A move for Sven Botman of LOSC Lille was believed to be a priority for the Tyneside outfit, but that is off the table now as negotiations with the Ligue 1 champions broke down.

As a result, they have now identified Umtiti as an alternative for the Dutchman and are ready to sign him in the ongoing transfer window. Barcelona are open to working out a deal for the ex-Olympique Lyon star, but the report states that the defender would only consider a loan exit as he wishes to return to Camp Nou in the summer.

Newcastle would be open to covering half his salary for the second half of the season, which is certainly of appeal to Barça, as they look to make cuts to their wage bill.