Benfica 'serious' about signing Umtiti in January (reliability: 4 stars)

Benfica are serious about their interest in Samuel Umtiti, according to Mundo Deportivo.

A cruciate knee ligament injury to Benfica centre-half Lucas Verissimo has forced the Portuguese outfit into the market in search of a suitable replacement.

During the summer Benfica tabled a €10m offer to Barcelona for Umtiti but the big defender refused to move, choosing to stay and fight for his place in Ronald Koeman's team.

It all turned out to be some calamity for the Frenchman, as Koeman did not offer him a single minute of action until he was sacked in late October.

However, the arrival of Xavi presents a clean slate for Big Sam. If Xavi overlooks him like Koeman, the 27-year-old will likely seek the door.