Manchester City are lining up a big money move for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.

L'Equipe says Umtiti could be set to join City next year as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his weak defence.

The French international has been struggling with a knee injury for the past year, and there are doubts over his Camp Nou future.

Despite injury concerns, City could still be interested in the World Cup winning centre back.

The French newspaper say that City 'now view Umtiti as a possible January transfer amid a defensive shortage' at the Etihad Stadium.

It comes as no surprise that there are reports of the club dipping into the transfer market as a previously rock solid defence, has been exposed on several occasions this season.