Samuel Umtiti scores for Lyon with unbelievable strike
Umtiti has established a reputation as one of Europe's top centre-backs since moving to the Nou Camp from Lyon in 2016.
And his form has attracted plenty of admiring glances from across the continent, with Jose Mourinho eyeing him up.
The United boss is keen to add to his defensive ranks in the summer as he looks to build a squad capable of going toe-to-toe with Manchester City in the Premier League.
And news of Umtiti weighing up a move to Old Trafford has supposedly got back to Messi, leaving him shocked.
According to Spanish publication Diario Gol, Pique has warned Messi and his team-mates that Umtiti will leave if Barcelona do not renew his contract.
And it seems Pique has got first-hand information about the interest of United, where he used to play himself.
Umtiti's eager to stay put but is demanding Barcelona double his £3.6m-a-year (€4m) salary to keep him.
And it's claimed he's said: "I'm going to the Premier [League]", if that request is not met.
United are waiting in the wings in case Barcelona fail to heed Umtiti's warning.
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Lionel Messi is stunned that Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti is considering a move to Manchester United
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Samuel Umtiti has told Barcelona he will leave if they do not meet his contract demands
And the Frenchman is said to have already agreed terms with the Premier League giants, who'll pay him more than what he's asking Barcelona for.
Diario Gol reckon United have found a house for Umtiti too, as well as telling him they'll pay his £54m (€60m) release clause in full.
Messi is said to have been stunned by Umtiti potentially deserting Barcelona.
He allegedly classes him as untouchable and has urged Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to pay him what he wants.
Messi has an eye on the future too, with Umtiti set to be the cornerstone of Barcelona's defence with Pique already ailing.