Chelsea aim to open talks with Barcelona this afternoon about a fee for Samuel Umtiti.

The France defender has fielded enquiries from Chelsea and Manchester United since January, with both clubs aware of his affordable €60m buyout clause.

However, Don Balon says Chelsea believe they can beat United to Umtiti's signing by co-operating with Barca.

Unlike United, which are happy to meet the buyout clause and ferry the defender away this summer, Chelsea are willing to negotiate a fee with Barca in order to maintain positive relations.

Talks will kickoff today ahead of tonight's Champions League clash and Chelsea hope their gesture will be welcomed by Barca and hand them an advantage over United.