Barcelona cool urgency on renewing Umtiti's contract

Samuel Umtiti formed part of the Barca squad in their resounding elimination at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, despite also being a key part of the defence that had supported Valverde in his quest to break La Liga records this season.

The Frenchman's performance on the pitch has been waning amid contract renewal negotations and speculation that the 24-year-old could be tempted with a move to Old Trafford in the summer. 

Barca's defeat in Rome, although unexpected, was the consequence of a series of weaknesses in Valverde's side, usually masked by a formidable Leo Messi, who was not able to deliver against the Italians.

However, the Barcelona that had showed their defensive rigor throughout their La Liga campagin, came undone in the Champions League, where Umtiti and Pique were surpassed by Roma with insulting ease, that sowed doubts about the Frenchman's future at Camp Nou. 

The France international's decline in performance in recent days has reportedly cooled Barcelona's urgency in renewing the defender's contract.