Barcelona are reportedly furious with Liverpool target Samuel Umtiti and could cancel his contract, according to Sport.
What’s the story?
According to the Spanish publication, the Blaugrana are “very angry” with the defender and his reported attitude and reluctance to leave the club could see his contract terminated.
Liverpool have been linked with the France international during the past week or so.
The Express has claimed the Reds are interested in the 27-year-old. Meanwhile, Sport has said Umtiti would accept a loan deal should he leave Camp Nou.
Jurgen Klopp has already signed one central defender this summer. Ibrahima Konate joined Liverpool from Red Bull Leipzig for £35 million earlier in the window.
Our View: Liverpool shouldn’t sign Umtiti as Barcelona look to cancel contract
Defenders were at a premium for Liverpool last season.
The injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip left the Reds in a perilous position, although Ozan Kabak and Nat Phillips helped steady the ship.
And now, following the return of the trio and signing of Konate, Klopp has four fit and ready options at his disposal.
That makes the links with Umtiti surprising. Do the Reds really want to sign another defender with a record of injuries?
Matip has spent more than enough time on the treatment table since his move to Anfield. He suffered four separate issues last season and missed 37 games.
Umtiti doesn’t fare much better in that regard, also suffering four injuries last season.
Five centre halves would be ideal in what will be a packed season. But do you want two of them to be major injury worries? The sensible answer is no.
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