Lyon president hints at Barcelona's Umtiti interest

Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti has become the object of desire for several marquee clubs, not the least of which is Barcelona, hints club president Jean-Michel Aulas.

The 22-year-old Umtiti and teammate Alexandre Lacazette have both been rumoured as potential summer transfer targets. According to Aulas, the Catalans have yet to express in interest in the striker, but the same cannot be said for the Cameroon-born defender.

"I really want him to stay," Aulas told RMC on Monday on the topic of Lacazette, as translated by Mark Rodden of ESPN FC. "I met the (Barcelona) president not so long ago. He didn't talk to me about Alex."

When pressed about the Spanish giant's interest in Umtiti, Aulas replied, "Maybe."

Related: Lyon's Umtiti flattered by Tottenham link, partial to La Liga move instead

Amid talk of Tottenham's interest in Umtiti, it would appear the north London outfit is just one of many sides interested in the versatile defender.

"In terms of his attitude and his intrinsic quality, the biggest foreign clubs - English and Spanish - are interested in Sam in a very clear way," said Aulas. "That's not to say that we're going to let him leave because he's really very important to Olympique Lyonnais."

If Barcelona is interested in a move for Umtiti, the defender's recent assessment that his style is better suited to La Liga can't hurt.

"I watch all the leagues but I find that the Spanish league suits me a lot more in relation to my qualities," he said.