Paul Pogba has become Barcelona’s number one transfer target, according to Joan Laporta. Laporta has told BBC that if he is named Barcelona’s new club president later this month following the presidential elections, he will make signing Pogba his top priority.
[ MORE: England inspire a nation ]
“There is a player we like very much - Paul Pogba,” Laporta said. “We know the agent of the player - that is key in this operation. We will have to negotiate with the agent and Juve.”
Reports in Italy had suggested a $90 million deal for Pogba to arrive at the Nou Camp in 2016 has already been done, but it seems like the 22-year-old French midfielder is still some way away from lining up at the Nou Camp. And remember: Barcelona are banned from signing any new players until January 2016.
[ VIDEO: Watch Messi embarrasses Paraguay defenders ]
According to former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, who also spoke to the BBC, Sergio Ramos only wants a move to Manchester United if he leaves the Santiago Bernabeu. Ramos, 29, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford extensively over the past week and according to Calderon, the Spanish international defender has his heart set on Manchester. Ramos, who has been at Real for over 11 years, wants to move after being unimpressed with reports that Real’s hierarchy offered him to Barcelona, and is also said to feel underrated compared to several of Real’s other stars.
“I know Sergio has told the general manager to listen to offers they get from Manchester United,” Calderon said. “He only wants to go to United.”
Ramos is likely to cost United over $50 million but with David de Gea wanted by Real, there could be plenty of bargaining between the two giants of European soccer. If Calderon’s comments echo Ramos’ true feelings then United seem to be inching closer to acquiring a player who would strengthen their defense considerably.
Elsewhere, the Daily Mirror have an interesting report that United have been trying to offload a star name: Robin van Persie. The Dutch striker, 31, endured an injury-hit campaign at Old Trafford last season and his former teammate Pierre van Hooijdonk has claimed the Red Devils are trying to sell RVP, who has a year remaining on his current deal. Turkish sides Besiktas and Fenerbache are rumored to be lining up bids to bring van Persie to Turkey.