Barca want Christensen if Umtiti goes under the knife

Barcelona are looking at various options if Samuel Umtiti needs surgery to solve his knee problem. Ernesto Valverde will have to go back to the market if the Frenchman is out for a long time. One name comes out on top - Chelsea's Andreas Christensen.

A few weeks ago the sporting staff started looking at the market, during the time Umtiti was out injured. Ajax don't want to sell De Ligt until the summer at least.

The main stopping point is Chelsea not wanting to lose resources midway through the season. Barca have sounded out the Blues about the Dane and in principle, the contact with Marina Granovskaia was not positive and she does not look at the player leaving in a good light.

However that simple sounding out could become more firm if Umtiti does require surgery. The board understand Valverde can't cope with just one back-up defender and they may make a stronger effort for Christensen and hope Granovskaia changes her mind.

Christensen is not playing much under Sarri, the 22-year-old just a back-up for Luiz and Rudiger.