Manchester United’s £52m transfer target Samuel Umtiti will be allowed to leave FC Barcelona

Manchester United have received a major boost in their reported pursuit of France international defender Samuel Umtiti, according to L’Equipe.

The Premier League side, who were held to a goalless draw at West Ham United on Thursday night at the London Stadium, have been continuously linked with attempting to lure the FC Barcelona defender to Old Trafford this summer.

The 24-year-old, who has 16 international caps for his country, has scored one goal in 40 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga champions this season.

Umtiti, who arrived at the Nou Camp back in June 2016 following his reported €25m switch from French outfit Lyon, has netted two goals in 83 games overall for the club.

Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti in action with Deportivo de La Coruna’s Borja Valle (left).

However, a senior Barcelona official has admitted the centre-back could leave the club this summer.

The source said, “If he wants to leave, he will do it and we will have to accept it.”

Umtiti has continually stalled on a new deal with Barca, with the defender understood to be demanding a huge pay rise to remain at the Nou Camp, despite having over three years to run on his current contract.

This latest update has put United on red alert to the Frenchman’s possible availability ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, who has a €60m (£52m) buy out clause in his contract.