Barcelona face Samuel Umtiti wage woes

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Bengaluru, February 23: While their on-field from is unbeatable at the moment, the off-field issues will concern Barcelona, especially with their defender Samuel Umtiti allegedly threatening to make a move to Manchester United over his wage structure.

According to Spanish pundit Eduardo Inda, who in his interview with El Chiringuito claims that the 24-year-old French defender is distressed over his pay scale.

"Umtiti has asked Barça to go to the cashier, as all players do.

"The Frenchman saw (Paco) Alcacer's contract and realized that he was earning €4m and Alcacer €5m. Therefore, he wants to earn €8m per season.

"If he has not yet a destination, it is Manchester United and Jose Mourinho that he could join with his release clause currently €60m."

A relatively non-existent member of the Barcelona squad, Paco Alcacer battles for play-time with the Catalans, while a regular on the team sheet, Umtiti battles for not only equal but double his wages.

Amidst this controversy, Jose Mourinho sparked rumors of a possible transfer after he reportedly gave a green signal to match Umtiti’s release clause of €60mn and his favored wage structure. On contract till 2021, Umtiti has been offered a new deal but is on standstill as it doesn’t meet his wage demands.

Umtiti has told Barca they have a month to give him a new and improved contract, otherwise, he's off to Old Trafford. And Barcelona boss Valverde remains confident that the Frenchman will continue with Barcelona.

“Umtiti is a great player and we expect him to stay at Barca for many more years and for him to enjoy his football with us,” he said.

Umtiti arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2016 from Ligue 1 side Lyon for a fee of €25 million. He has been a first-choice and a regular on the Barca team sheet.