SAMUEL UMTITI dodged questions about a potential Manchester United switch while on France duty.
The Barcelona centre-back, 24, is among a number of defenders Jose Mourinho is monitoring ahead of the summer window.
He is locked in contract discussions and if Barca do not meet the Frenchman’s demands, United could offer an escape route.
Umtiti has a £52million release fee – leaving the Catalans powerless to resist if their star wants to leave.
The former Lyon ace featured as France beat World Cup hosts Russia 3-1 last night.
Before the game, he was interviewed by Telefoot alongside Olivier Giroud.
Umtiti was asked: “In the last few weeks there has been talk of Manchester United’s interest in you. Are you interested?”
And his one-worse reply was simply: “Joker”.
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Normally, Barcelona begin contract negotiations with their players two years before their current deal expires.
Umtiti’s runs out in 2021, meaning the Nou Camp giants would not be looking to start talks until the end of next season.
However, with his buy-out clause now deemed reasonable in the current market, they have been forced to act sooner than anticipated.
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