West Ham United face stiff competition if they are to land French defender Samuel Umtiti this summer, with Barcelona placing a €25 million offer for the Lyon centre-half according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Hammers were reported as being the frontrunners for the powerful enforcer, who is part of France’s squad for this summer’s Euro 2016 tournament on home soil.
However, with Umtiti an impressive member of a Lyon side that has qualified for the Champions League, Slaven Bilic’s men have a task on their hands to land the stalwart.
The report suggests that Barcelona have prioritised the French defender’s signature, as they look to reinforce their rearguard before next season.
Former Hammer Javier Mascherano is being linked with a Camp Nou exit, with Umtiti potentially replacing him at the Catalan outfit.
West Ham have already had an offer for Umtiti’s Lyon team-mate Alexandre Lacazette rejected in recent weeks.
