Jorge Jesus plays down rumors Benfica want Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has suggested his team are not interested in a move for Barcelona center-back Samuel Umtiti despite rumors this week a transfer could be on the cards.

The 67-year-old was asked about the speculation at a press conference on Friday and said he wants a center-back but didn’t seem too keen on the Frenchman.

“He’s a player that everyone knows, but I think a player who is out of our orbit right now. Vertonghen’s injury makes us think a little,” he said.

“A team when playing with two centrals must have four centrals in total, with three you have to have five. We have some time to work on it and let’s think about what’s best for Benfica.”

Source | Record

Barca are reportedly keen to move Umtiti on this summer but have struggled to drum up much interest in the defender due to his injury record and high salary.

The World Cup winner has played in pre-season but was subjected to boos in the Joan Gamper Trophy that saw him walk straight off after the full-time whistle.

Umtiti, Miralem Pjanic, and Martin Braithwaite are the three names that keep on cropping up when it comes to players who could depart this summer, but it’s still not clear if any of the trio will go before the close of the transfer window.