France international Samuel Umtiti has dashed the dreams of Manchester United fans by declaring his “love” for Barcelona.

Recently linked with a move to Old Trafford, his actions now suggest his long-term future lies not in the north of England but at the Camp Nou.

After forcing Juventus defender Kostas Manolas to put through his own net in Barca’s 4-1 Champions League quarter-final win over Roma on Wednesday night, the 24-year-old centre-half grabbed the Barcelona emblem on his shirt in a message to both clubs.

The passionate gesture comes amid intense transfer talk linking him with an imminent move away from the Catalan giants.

With the release clause in his current contract set at just €60 million, the defender’s future at Camp Nou is called into question on a regular basis.

United manager Jose Mourinho is reported to be plotting a summer approach, and Umtiti had recently admitted to interest being shown in his services.

He was recently quizzed on his links to Old Trafford and revealed that the Red Devils are only one of several teams to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

“It’s not only Manchester United, other clubs want me as well,” he said.

“Negotiations for a contract renewal have not started yet.

“My release clause is low, but that’s not what I worry about, I focus on the pitch.”

The specific mention of the release clause seemed to say to potential suitors: “I’m affordable – come get me.”

It seems however that Umtiti’s true desire is to stay in Spain and that his comments were actually designed to speed up new contract talks with Barca.

“It’s a celebration like any other, I just wanted to say how much I love this club,” Umtiti explained to beIN Sports after the match.

“I just play, try to do things right. This is the most important thing for me. I try to do it for a club like Barca, and continue to do it.

“As for everything else, these are things that come out in the press. Some are true, others wrong, but I just focus on football.”

Barca boss Ernesto Valverde said prior to the clash with Roma that he remains upbeat about extension talks with Umtiti.

“What I understand, and I know, is that he is very happy here and we are very happy with him,” said the Blaugrana boss.

“We hope the negotiations will come to fruition and that he will be able to continue for many years here.”

Following Wednesday night that  looks more than a distinct possibility.