Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Lionel Messi and Samuel Umtiti Rumours

         

Barcelona have taken steps to secure Lionel Messi, attempting to tie the Argentina wizard to a new deal after rumours Manchester United will move for the icon.

Colin Mafham of the Express reported United manager Jose Mourinho has "enquired" about Messi's availability after doubts surfaced about Wayne Rooney's role at Old Trafford.

Albert Masnou of Sport (h/t Joe Short of the Express) added that Camp Nou technical director Robert Fernandez has contacted the attacker to offer him a seven-year contract to scare off the Red Devils and retain the player's long-term services. The deal would see Messi stay in Catalonia until 2022—until the age of 35.

United and Chelsea were linked with moves for the superstar last year, per Short, but nothing came of the inquiries.

However, with the self-proclaimed Special One in charge at the Theatre of Dreams, United's ambitions have once again been revamped, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic expected to make a move to the north-west, per Mafham.

Here is why United want the South American artist in their squad under Mourinho:

Barca will need to be patient in their chase of Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti after the player admitted he will not consider a switch during the Euros.

French publication L'Equipe (h/t Mark Rodden of ESPN FC) reported the 22-year-old would be the subject of a £25 million offer from manager Luis Enrique as he tries to strengthen his options after a disappointing campaign in Europe.

The player is on Euro 2016 duty with France, and "hinted" he could be tempted with a move to Spain, per L'Equipe 21 (h/t Rodden).

"Barcelona is a club where quite a lot of players would like to play," he said. "Beyond that I have a contract with Olympique Lyonnais like everyone knows and, given the season we've just had, I feel very good in Lyon, so it's not yet news."
Umtiti said he will discuss the matter with his club, with Tottenham Hotspur also interested, per Rodden

Umtiti would bring balance to the Barca squad after a disjointed campaign; the club still prevailed in La Liga, but lagged behind the capital city teams of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in Europe.

The Lyon star can play in a number of defensive positions, featuring at centre-back and defensive midfielder in Ligue 1. 

Umtiti played in 34 matches in the French top flight and UEFA Champions League, according to WhoScored.com, blooding him for a big move in 2016-17.

The defender would be a credible signing when the Euros are over, bringing muscle and concentration to Barca's defensive pack.