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Manchester United have identified Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as an alternative in case they fail of their pursuit of Leicester City’s Harry Maguire.
Maguire has been the number one transfer target for United throughout the transfer window, whilst the 26 year old has indicated to his club that he wants to move to Old Trafford. Leicester though have been playing hard ball, holding out for an £80 million fee for the England international.
The two sides appear to be edging closer to a deal but, in the event that talks come to an end, Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward has been considering a number of alternatives, with Umtiti top of the list. Umtiti lost his place in the Barcelona first-team to French international team mate Clement Lenglet last season, and could be available, although United may have to pay up to £55 million for the World Cup winner. e
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.