Everton contact Barcelona with interest growing in 26-year-old, PL duo join race – report
Everton have contacted Barcelona over the availability of defender Samuel Umtiti, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish outlet claim on their website that Arsenal and West Ham United are also ready to rival the Toffees for his signature over the summer.
Barcelona are looking to strengthen in defence too, with Eric Garcia of Manchester City on their wishlist.
It is suggested that with Pique now being 34-years-old and Umtiti having injury worries at the Nou Camp, their options are limited.
French clubs are also in the hunt for the 26-year-old, with Lyon, Marseille and Rennes all contacting the Spanish giants in the past season.
Umtiti has had knee problems for a number of seasons now and this has led Barcelona to question his future at the La Liga giants.
So, looking at Everton options, is it clear that they need a new defender? The short and obvious answer would be definitely.
Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to utilise 18-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite in recent Premier League games, with Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina having their own injury problems.
Outside of that, the Toffees only have Michael Keane so they could certainly do with more reinforcements over the summer, and a move for Umtiti could be very smart – he has won nearly everything the game has to offer.
The 26-year-old has only completed 946 minutes of La Liga action this season though, and Everton must get him back to full fitness before considering such a big move.
In other Everton news, Toffees talent is living the ‘dream’ after whirlwind few months at Goodison Park