Manchester City and Manchester United are interested in Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, after being made aware of a release clause in his contract.

The 24-year-old French international, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury – has impressed for the Spanish giants since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2016.

Now it has emerged that Umtiti has a release clause in his current contract which is set at £50million , and that has peaked the interest of both City and United.

However, sources close to both clubs have told me that whilst they would happily look at a deal for Umtiti at his release price, they also believe a new deal is in the offing and as it stands the player has shown little desire to quit the Nou Camp.

But should a new deal not be agreed in the coming weeks – both clubs could try and lure him away at that price.

Bookmakers certainly believe that Umtiti’s next club will be one from Manchester.

Coral make City the 2-1 favourites to win the race, with United second best in the betting for his next club at 3-1, while PSG are 4-1 to secure the French defender.

“The betting suggests the two Manchester clubs will be battling it out for the services of the Barcelona defender this month who will surely be a fantastic acquisition to either club’s squad for the second half of the season,” said Coral’s John Hill.