The France international has met with Blues officials, the report states, with the 24-year-old reportedly asking for time to consider a potential switch.

City boss Pep Guardiola watched on as Virgil van Dijk joined Liverpool for £75 million, but Umtiti, who has thrived at one of the world's biggest clubs this season, is available at his buyout clause for just €60 million.

A hamstring injury before Christmas has kept out the former Lyon star recently, but Barca will be eager to initiate contract negotiations to increase his buyout clause and maintain his services during his prime years.