Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has joined Serie ALecce.

The Frenchman moves to Lecce in a straight loan deal with no permanent option. Barca will pay almost 100 per cent of his salary.

Umtiti has struggled with injury at Barca for the past three seasons and wasn't considered by coach Xavi for this term.

Instead, he goes to Lecce with the hope of rebuilding his career.