Juventus are reportedly plotting a shock £200 million swoop for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who is also a summer target for Barcelona.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Juventus are keen on snapping up Paul Pogba before the summer transfer window slams shut. The Bianconeri are looking to offload several first-team players to fund the move for the Manchester United midfielder, who is also the subject of interest from Barcelona.
Pogba has endured a topsy turvy stint since returning to Manchester United in the summer of 2016. While the Frenchman has often been a brilliant asset for the Red Devils, there have also been times when his inconsistencies have rendered him to be the worst performer in certain matches.
The player has still been a key player for Manchester United, and manager Jose Mourinho will be hoping that France’s World Cup triumph will be a major turning point in his career. But, the Premier League heavyweights are set to have a restless last few weeks of the summer transfer window, with Barcelona keen on Pogba.
The Blaugrana have lost the services of Andres Iniesta and Paulinho this summer, with the likes of Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez also facing uncertain futures at Camp Nou. Should the duo end up leaving as well, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde will be short on personnel in midfield.
With no right-back reinforcements on the horizon, it looks likely that Sergi Roberto will be an option on the right side of defence once again. As a result, the Barcelona boss will be left with just three options in the middle of the park, with Philippe Coutinho likely to be deployed in a wide midfield role. Pogba is thus, a viable target, who can even be an upgrade on the departed Paulinho.
But, Barcelona are not alone in pursuit of the Manchester United midfielder anymore, with Juventus now eager to re-sign him. In order to do so, the Bianconeri are looking to offload a number of first-team players, including Miralem Pjanic, Gonzalo Higauin, Daniele Rugani and Mattia Caldara.
Indeed, each of the players are being heavily linked with moves away from the Allianz Stadium, and Juventus are hoping to raise £200 million from their sales. The recouped money will then be directed towards a bid for Pogba, with the Italian champions hoping to test the resolve of Manchester United.
Juventus are of the opinion that Pogba’s return could help transform them into genuine Champions League contenders, with Cristiano Ronaldo already adding a lot of firepower upfront. But, Manchester United are unlikely to be open to selling the 25-year-old despite his inconsistent performances, with Mourinho already iterating that he will be counting on the player next season.
Furthermore, it will be extremely difficult for Manchester United to find a replacement for Pogba in the little time that is left for the transfer window to close in England. Landing the Frenchman thus, looks like a farfetched idea for Barcelona and Juventus.
In fact, the Bianconeri could even be better advised to keep hold of the likes of Pjanic, Caldara and Rugani, who can form a formidable, near world class core for them in the years to come. As far as Pogba is concerned, the World Cup winner does seem happy at Manchester United, where he will likely stay for now.
