According to Diario Gol, Messi knows Mourinho has called Umtiti about swapping the Nou Camp for Old Trafford.
And the Argentine’s face is said to have dropped when he learned of United pursuing the 24-year-old.
Barcelona would be powerless to stop United snatching Umtiti if they meet the £53m (€60m) release clause written into his contract.
And that’s why they are desperately trying to get him to put pen to paper on a new deal, which would vastly increase that clause.
GETTY
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants to prise Samuel Umtiti away from Barcelona this summer
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GETTY
Lionel Messi was surprised to hear Jose Mourinho has called Samuel Umtiti about leaving Barcelona
Umtiti is thought to be demanding Barcelona double his £3.5m-a-year (€4m) wages.
He’s apparently willing to jump ship and join United if that request is not acted upon.
Umtiti’s potential exit will come as a blow to Barcelona boss Valverde.
Umtiti is Barca’s most reliable centre-back at present and is a key part of their plans going forward.