Three French clubs are reportedly preparing to make official bids for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.

The World Cup winner has fallen down the pecking order at Camp Nou due to form and injuries, resulting in the Catalan giants being keen to facilitate an exit for the high earner.

However, they have so far failed to reduce their wage bill with the sale of the 28-year-old, who has only made one start in La Liga during 2021-22.

According to Sport, that could change during the summer transfer window with Rennes, Nice and Montpellier HSC all said to be contemplating an approach.

While the report claims that Umtiti's priority is to return to former club Lyon, it appears that their Ligue 1 rivals are currently regarded as the frontrunners to get a deal over the line.

Umtiti allegedly has no interest in moving to Turkey, leaving a return to his homeland or a switch to the Premier League as the most likely options. body check tags ::