Rennes in talks with Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti

L’Équipe report this afternoon that Rennes are among the clubs to be interested in French defender Samuel Umtiti, who looks set to leave Barcelona this summer as he looks to relaunch his career after an injury-ridden spell in Catalonia.

The Breton team are said to be in discussions with the former Lyon man, as they look to sign an experience left-sided centre-back to replace Nayef Aguerd following the Moroccan’s move to West Ham last week.

Umtiti is currently taking time to consider his options, although he intends to make a decision in the near future, and is expected to go out on loan.

The 28-year-old never quite recovered from the knee injury he battled through to help France win the World Cup, after what had been an impressive first season with the La Liga side.

He recently extended his contract with Barcelona until 2026 – a move to reduce the club’s wage bill – and again suffered fitness issues this season, making just the one appearance. He was interested in a move back to Lyon, but the emergence of Castello Lukeba has reduced Les Gones’ need for new defenders.

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