Manchester City are reportedly interested in triggering Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti’s €60million release clause.

According to respected French outlet L’Equipe, Umtiti’s representatives have met with City and the France international is now said to be mulling over a switch having been impressed by the project headed by manager Pep Guardiola.

The centre-back has been a tower of strength for the Catalan giants this season with Ernesto Valverde’s pragmatic approach reliant on the ever-dependable presence of Umtiti.

He emerged as one of the best defenders in La Liga before going down with a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo early last month.

The relatively low fee, considering the astronomical £75million expenditure from Liverpool for Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk, will no doubt sound the alarm of clubs throughout Europe.

Umtiti marries physical prowess with passing ability – he has the highest pass accuracy in La Liga this season, which is pretty impressive considering how much he actually gets on the ball – and Barca will no doubt be desperate to keep on to their star man.

The 24-year-old joined the Blaugrana from Lyon in 2016 for £21million and has proven to be a bargain ever since.

Guardiola wants to reinforce his quadruple-chasing City squad with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez also being targeted.