Barcelona 'favour sending fit-again Umtiti on loan to Juventus in January'

Samuel Umtiti could leave Barcelona to join Juventus on loan during the January transfer window.

Barcelona signed the French international from Lyon on a five-year deal in July 2016, but the 27-year-old has failed to live up to expectations after struggling to maintain his fitness on a regular basis due to persistent knee issues.

Given the financial ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic, the Catalans are looking to reduce their wage bill and believe selling Umtiti - who earns £75,000 a week - could be an option.

Umtiti has played 31 times for France and was a part of their World Cup-winning squad in 2018, starting the final against Croatia when his side won 4-2.

However, his career at Barcelona has been somewhat less glamorous. The French center-back has been out of action for nearly six months with a knee injury and only returned to Ronald Koeman’s squad in Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Juventus.

Prior to that, the last time he featured for Barcelona was in June in their draw against Celta Vigo.

According to Sport ES, Barcelona are looking to build up Umtiti's game time before shipping him out on loan in January.

Mundo Deportivo added that Barcelona could cut their €12m (£10.7m) asking price to get a deal over the line.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his interest in signing Umtiti in January.

While the 27-year-old has previously been linked with Benfica - who were close to signing him but recruited Lucas Verissimo from Santos instead - and Manchester United.