Lyon confirm Barcelona interest in Umtiti

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed Barcelona have made an approach for Samuel Umtiti, although no transfer has been agreed by the two clubs for the defender.

With Barcelona defender Marc Bartra on the verge of completing a switch to Borussia Dortmund, the Catalan side have identified the 22-year-old Lyon defender as his replacement, and it was claimed they had already offered him a five-year contract.

However Aulas is adamant that Barcelona have done nothing more than make an initial approach. 

"Barcelona have approached us about Umtiti about 10 days ago," Aulas told Eurosport.

"But there are no negotiations taking place yet. Samuel is not on the verge of leaving the club."

Furthermore, the players agent and brother Yannick Umtiti has also backed up the presidents claim that a deal is a long way off.  

"I do not know where the information that it is already a done deal is coming from," he stated.

"There has not been contact with Barcelona yet. We are not negotiating about a transfer to Barcelona."