Benfica have approached Barcelona for defender Samuel Umtiti.

Umtiti has been encouraged by Barca's board to find himself a new club in January. Though he did feature in the draw at Osasuna on the weekend.

Benfica have made a move for Umtiti after losing Lucas Verissimo to a knee injury in November, says Mundo Deportivo.

For his part, the Frenchman doesn't want to leave Barca, despite a push from inside the club for him to depart.

Umtiti has a deal with Barca to 2023.