GOAL

Any potential move for Mathijs De Ligt by Barcelona reportedly depends on the fitness of Samuel Umtiti, according to Mundo Deportivo.

DE LIGT FOCUSED ON AJAX AMID BARCELONA RUMORS

The La Liga leaders currently have six centre-halves, but Thomas Vermaelen's contract expires at the end of the season and Jeison Murillo's loan deal will not be made permanent, leaving the club with Umtiti, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and youngster Jean-Clair Todibo.

VALVERDE UNSURE IF UMTITI WILL BE FIT TO FACE LYON

However, Umtiti has been struggling with a knee problem and if he is to be sidelined for an extended period of time it could force Barcelona to move for the Ajax wonderkid sooner rather than later.