Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti is open to staying long-term with Serie A minnows Lecce.

Umtiti has signed for Lecce on a season-long loan, but the way he has been welcomed to the club has him looking beyond this current arrangement.

Sport says the France defender was brought to tears when first arriving in Lecce thanks to the reception he received by local fans.

A confidant insists Umtiti "does not see Lecce as a stepping stone" for another club or a "springboard" to return to Barca.

Instead, Umtiti is open to staying with Lecce long-term should the move prove an on-field success.