Barcelona director Ariedo Braida has provided insight into whether or not the club are considering launching a bid for Paul Pogba.
The World Cup winner has hinted that he isn’t entirely happy at Manchester United, casting more uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
This came despite being handed the captain’s armband in United’s 2-1 win over Leicester City last Friday, as the Reds opened the new season with three points.
Sources close to Stretty News continue to make it clear that the relationship between Jose Mourinho and Pogba could be a lot better, though the club has made it clear to the Frenchman that he will be going nowhere this month.
Pogba has been linked with a move to Barcelona all summer and club director Braida has been forced to respond to the speculation. “I don’t think we’re going to move for Pogba, but he’s a great player,” he said, as quoted byThe Mirror.
That may put some fans at ease, but Pogba is likely to spark interest from Barcelona and other European elite clubs in January and beyond.
The Spanish transfer window remains open for business until August 31, whereas the deadline in England has already passed, so if United were to sell Pogba now they’d be doing so without a replacement.
Losing our midfield maestro would be a massive blow in itself, but being unable to fill the void that he leaves behind immediately would be hugely detrimental to our season.
Pogba has emerged as a top Barcelona transfer target, with the Catalan giants already having a bid turned down.
The La Liga side failed with an offer of £45million plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes, with both players since signing for Everton.
Manchester United are adamant Pogba will not be going anywhere, particularly after the Premier League transfer window shut last week.
Yet Mundo Deportivo say the 25-year-old remains Barcelona’s dream with their interest showing no signs of subsiding anytime soon.
Publicly, Barcelona have conceded defeat in their efforts to lure the player to the Nou Camp this month.
Official Ariedo Baraida said: “I don’t think we’re going to move for Pogba, but he’s a great player.”
However, given Pogba’s rocky relationship with United boss Jose Mourinho, they remain interested.
Mundo Deportivo say his status as a World Cup winner has seen him soar to the top of Barcelona’s list of targets.
The France international was instrumental for his country in Russia. He was at his bulldozing best in the final, where Pogba scored as France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the prize.
United are likely to dig their heels in over a transfer, which could be pursued again in January.
But whether Barcelona have the pulling power and financial muscle to snap him up remains to be seen.
Pogba recently put them on red alert by hinting at unrest between himself and Mourinho behind the scenes.
Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho has reportedly been left confused by Paul Pogba’s cryptic comments as Barcelona eye a stunning transfer.
Mourinho has clashed repeatedly with Pogba over the last few months, leading to talk of a sensational move away.
The France international, whose stock has never been higher after he helped his country win the World Cup in Russia last month, is wanted by La Liga giants Barcelona.
The Manchester United star recently put the Catalan side on red alert by saying: “If you’re not happy, you cannot give your best.
“There are things I cannot say otherwise I will get fined.”