Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

Leonardo: PSG did everything to sign Ronaldo and Pogba

The club's former sporting director says Paul Pogba was one of the other
few players he couldn't lure to the French capital when in charge.

Dec 8, 2013

Former Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo admits he tried everything to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club from Real Madrid.

http://markting10.nl/

The former Inter and AC Milan coach also admitted the French champions attempted to sign Juventus star Paul Pogba during his two-year spell in Ligue 1.

Despite failing to sign the star pair, Leonardo believes he left PSG with a squad that is unrivalled by anyone else in Europe.

http://markting10.nl/

He told Telefoot: "Pogba is at the level to play for PSG, of course. We thought of him and thought he would be a great investment because he is one of the best midfielders in the world.

"We also thought of signing Ronaldo. I did everything within the written laws to try to get him to Paris but it was impossible to make him leave Real Madrid.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba second in Player of the Year

Dec 10, 2013

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has piped Paul Pogba to the title of French Footballer of the Year.

http://markting10.nl/

France Football magazine revealed on Tuesday that the attacker, who has been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, has won the title for the third time.

The Juventus youngster came in second place, whilst Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi finished in third.

http://markting10.nl/

"I now have to go get Thierry Henry’s record," Ribery, who has now won the prize three times to Henry's five, told the magazine.

[Socrates 8295]

Mancini reveals Pogba rejection

Dec 10, 2013

Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to sign Paul Pogba.

http://markting10.nl/

The Italian tactician has claimed that whilst in charge at Manchester City he rejected the chance to bring in the French midfielder on a free from Manchester United.

“Pogba is a player that I really like,” he told Tuttosport. “Two years ago, before he came to Juventus I had the chance to take him to Manchester City for no cost.

http://markting10.nl/

“But honestly, I do not remember the reason why we didn’t.”

Pogba has since gone on to become a Juventus regular and has recently been named Golden Boy as the best under 21 player in Europe.

[Socrates 8295]

Ribery beats Pogba & Matuidi
to French Player of the Year award

The 30-year-old has scooped the prestigious individual award for the third time
in his career and only needs two more to equal France legend Thierry Henry's record haul.

Dec 10, 2013

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery has been voted France Football's French Player of the Year ahead of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi.

http://markting10.nl/

The 30-year-old winger had previously won the individual award in 2007 and 2008 and his stellar performances during his club's treble-winning campaign have now seen him scoop up the trophy for a third time.

The France international needs to be named French Player of the Year twice more to equal record-holder Thierry Henry and he's keen to emulate the former Arsenal star.

http://markting10.nl/

"I know that Henry has won the award five times and it's a great honour to follow in his footsteps. Thierry is one of France's all-time greats. He now knows that I'm gunning for his record," Ribery commented.

Ribery is also one of the three remaining candidates to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the other two contenders.

[Socrates 8295]

Lichtsteiner: Pogba a phenomenon

Dec 13, 2013

Stephan Lichtsteiner has applauded the ability of Juventus teammate Paul Pogba.

http://markting10.nl/

“He is a world-class player,” the Switzerland international told RMC Sport on Friday. “He is a phenomenon.

“Even if he is still young and lacks a touch of experience, he can go far in his career.

http://markting10.nl/

“He’s doing even better this season than he did in the last one and he deserves to be a starting player at a club like Juventus.”

Pogba, four goals in 21 appearances this season, is in his second Turin campaign following his move from Manchester United.

[Socrates 8295]

PSG to table €40m Pogba bid

Dec 17, 2013

Reports in the French Press have once again claimed that Paris Saint-Germain will bid for Paul Pogba in January.

http://markting10.nl/

Laurent Blanc’s men have been heavily linked with the Juventus youngster for some time now, but L’Equipe believe that the Bianconeri’s exit from the Champions League has put added pressure on them to sell the Bleus international.

The Paris-based paper has claimed that the Ligue 1 champions will table a €40m offer for Pogba during the winter window.

http://markting10.nl/

The 20-year-old is, of course, cup tied in Europe, and so won’t be able to play in the Champions League for PSG.

But L’Equipe write that Antonio Conte’s men will look to recoup the lost revenue they would have gained from making the last 16 by selling their prized youngster.

[Socrates 8295]

Juve cool over Pirlo and Pogba

Dec 18, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta is confident Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba will sign new contracts at the club.

http://markting10.nl/

Pirlo’s deal will expire in the summer, while the French youngster is set to be rewarded for his rise in the game with improved terms.

“There will be no announcements under the tree,” Marotta told Rai Sport when asked about the midfield duo.

“I don’t think anything will be sorted out before Christmas, but we are calm as there is an idyllic relationship between us and the players.

http://markting10.nl/

“They consider Juventus to be their home, their natural habitat and it would be hard for them to find something better.

“I think we’ll resolve these situations in a small amount of time.”

[Socrates 8295]

Paris Saint-Germain ready €40 million bid for Pogba

Dec 19, 2013

Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba in January, according to reports in the French press.

http://markting10.nl/

The Ligue 1 champions have repeatedly been linked with a move for the 20-year-old, but the Bianconeri’s Champions League exit may now force them to sell the French international.

Paris-based newspaper L’Equipe expects Laurent Blanc’s side to offer €40 million for the former Manchester United man in January, with the future of Blaise Matuidi uncertain.

http://markting10.nl/

Pogba is cup-tied in Europe, but the Parisians remain keen on his signature as they look to mount a challenge on four fronts.

L’Equipe suggest that Juventus will look to sell the youngster in order to recoup the revenue lost from failing to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'Serie A is extraordinary'

Jan 2, 2014

Paul Pogba committed himself to Juventus, insisted he is “not the anti-Mario Balotelli” and explained why “Serie A is extraordinary.”

http://markting10.nl/

Still only 20 years old, the French midfielder is already a senior international regular and a huge bargain for the Bianconeri, having arrived on a free transfer when his contract expired with Manchester United.

“My brothers are both players, Florentin at Saint-Etienne and Mathias at Crewe Alexandra, while my father wanted to be a player and then a Coach,” he told La Repubblica.

“I grew up watching videotapes of Pele, Diego Maradona and also Jean-Pierre Papin. I wanted his strength and aggression. I also want to point out my family cared a great deal about my studies and I wasn’t too bad at school.

http://markting10.nl/

“I left home early to play football, but I didn’t suffer from loneliness. I called home and always talk to my family. I’m not a tough guy, nor one of those players covered in tattoos.”

With that in mind, Pogba was asked whether he represented the anti-Balotelli.

“I think he suffered a great deal, as there are wounds from one’s childhood that never heal if you didn’t feel loved enough. A bit of understanding wouldn’t go amiss, as Balotelli had a difficult life. He might seem like a ‘bad boy,’ but deep down he’s a good man. When I lived in Manchester we had similar hairstyles and some people mistook me for Balotelli.

http://markting10.nl/

“I like to read a lot and understand my roots, where I came from and who I am. I only recently went to Guinea for the first time. It’s beautiful, but tough. People here complain, but they don’t realise that parts of Africa have nothing at all – water, light, food. Going to Africa shakes you up, but gives you a new sense of balance.”

Pogba concedes his formative years at United were dominated by Sir Alex Ferguson, even if they didn’t always see eye to eye.

“He is unique in understanding what players can be, even before they themselves realise it. Many owe their success to him. He believed in me early on, even if I didn’t play often. He also said I’d struggle in Italy because there was too much racism, but I told him that was everywhere and England certainly wasn’t immune to it, as proved by John Terry and Luis Suarez.

http://markting10.nl/

“The truth is I really struggled to settle in England. The first six months of learning English was hellish, as if you don’t know the language then the British aren’t very helpful.

“Italian football is much more tactical than in England, but at the moment Serie A is underestimated. There is so much pressure, apprehension, tension and obsession here. It’s true, I suffer at being marked so tightly. Plus the media talks about one gesture for the whole week, so you never breathe a sigh of relief. Mind you, that excessive focus is what makes Italian football so anomalous, different, difficult and in the end also extraordinary.”

Pogba has repeatedly been linked with huge moves to the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Arsenal, but insists he is “happy at Juve.

http://markting10.nl/

“I won’t deny as a child I dreamed of playing for Arsenal or Barcelona, but now I dream of playing for France against my brothers as they play for Guinea.

“For me Juve is Zidane, Trezeguet and Nedved. It is talent, class, discipline and teamwork. As for me, I know promising success isn’t enough, as you have to maintain those promises. I am not embarrassed by my talent, nor do I have an absurd rush to prove myself. I’ve been through the ranks, so I know it’s a journey and I am eyeing the final destination.”

[Socrates 8295]

PSG confirm Pogba interest

The Champions League hopefuls are closely monitoring the powerful
Juventus midfielder and could make a move during the summer.

Jan 2, 2014

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed that the French champions are keen to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba at the end of the season.

http://markting10.nl/

The 20-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Ligue 1 leaders and Al-Khelaifi has confirmed that PSG are eager to lure Pogba back to his native country, although they are willing to wait until the summer.

"Paul is a Parisian. He is a great player and he represents the future of France," Al-Khelaifi told Le Parisien.

"We will not try to sign him this winter, but maybe we will give it a try next summer."

http://markting10.nl/

The PSG chief then went on to stress that they have no transfer plans this winter unless they pick up any injuries in January.

"At the moment, we are not thinking about one player in particular. We are keeping an eye on the transfer market because you never know what will happen in the next few weeks. Someone could get injured," he continued.

http://markting10.nl/

"I don't think we will sign someone this winter, though. We have a good team as it is."

Pogba's current deal with Juventus runs until June 2016.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I dreamt of playing for Barca or Arsenal

The France international has admitted that he wanted to play for the Blaugrana
or the Gunners, while claiming "no country is immune from racism".

Jan 3, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed that he used to dream of playing for Barcelona or Arsenal, but added that he's happy with life at his current club.

http://markting10.nl/

The France international joined the Bianconeri from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and has since developed into a key player at the Serie A champions.

He has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the French side confirming earlier this week that they want to sign Pogba at the end of the season, but he's happy to stay under Antonio Conte's tutelage for now.

"I am feeling very well at Juventus, although I cannot deny that I used to dream about playing for Arsenal or Barcelona when I was a child," the 20-year-old told La Repubblica.

http://markting10.nl/

"For me, Juventus were all about Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved. They had talent, class, discipline and were united as a team."

Pogba then went on to reflect on his decision to leave Manchester United for Juve and revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson advised him not to join the Turin giants due to the racism in Italy.

http://markting10.nl/

"I am very grateful to Ferguson. He believed in me, even though I did not play a lot. He told me not to go to Italy. He warned me against racism and thought I wouldn't feel right here.

"As for racism, no country is immune against it. There's racism in England as well. Just look at what happened with John Terry and Luis Suarez."

[Socrates 8295]

Juve working on Pogba extension

Jan 3, 2014

Juventus are working behind the scenes to tie down Paul Pogba to a long-term contract, reports suggest.

http://markting10.nl/

Respected Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has written on his official website this evening that the Bianconeri are continuing to try and get the France international to commit to the club.

Paris Saint-Germain are said to be extremely keen on signing the youngster, but Juve are optimistic that Pogba will sign on the dotted line soon.

http://markting10.nl/

The Turin outfit have already tied Arturo Vidal to a new deal this season, and are hoping to do the same with the 20-year-old in the near future.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba will not leave Juventus, insists Marotta

The French midfielder has been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain
but the Bianconeri director is convinced he will sign a new contract to stay in Turin.

Jan 4, 2014

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has once more insisted the club will not entertain any offers for Paul Pogba.

http://markting10.nl/

The France starlet has established himself as a pivotal player for the Italian champions since his free transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2012, with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain eager to secure a deal for his signature at the end of the season after watching his development in Serie A.

Pogba himself fanned the flames of speculation by admitting he once dreamed of playing for Barcelona or Arsenal, but Juventus have always maintained they will not consider selling the 20-year-old - and Marotta has once more underlined their determination to keep him in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

"There is nothing more to add," Marotta told Tuttosport when asked of PSG's interest.

"We've no intention of selling Pogba. On the contrary, he'll renew his contract."

Pogba's current deal with Juve expires in 2016.

[Socrates 8295]

Trezeguet: Pogba should stay at Juventus

The France midfielder has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid in recent months
but his compatriot feels it would be foolish to leave a "club on the rise".

Jan 4, 2014

David Trezeguet has urged Paul Pogba to resist advances from elsewhere and remain at Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

The France international has established himself as one of the most impressive young midfielders in the world since joining the Bianconeri from Manchester United in the summer of 2012.

Consequently, he has reportedly caught the attention of the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but Juventus legend Trezeguet can see no reason why his compatriot would want to leave Turin.

"I have spoken very little with him," the 36-year-old told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "But, for me, he should stay at Juventus. I would strongly advise him to do that.

http://markting10.nl/

"For someone like him, it is important to stay. He's playing and Juventus are a club on the rise. They will get even better."

Trezeguet is currently plying his trade in Argentina with Newell's Old Boys and the ex-France forward has revealed that he has already spoken with Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli about taking on an ambassadorial role when he finally hangs up his boots.

"I think I could be able to help Juventus in South America," the Euro 2000 hero explained. "This club has a great image and is now growing with all these South American players that are doing very well.

http://markting10.nl/

"But it is a continent that they could exploit even better with and I could lend a hand to Juventus.

"I spoke with Andrea Agnelli about what possibilities there are for me. I could be a Juventus ambassador, but also something more.

http://markting10.nl/

"I did a sporting director course, which is endorsed by FIFA. I'm also doing the course as a coach, but I see my future more as a director or scout.

"I could travel around South America to assess talents or help Juve in other ways in the territory."

[Socrates 8295]

Sacchi urges Pogba to stay at Juventus

The legendary coach thinks it would be a mistake
if the French midfielder were to leave the Scudetto holders.

Jan 5, 2014

Arrigo Sacchi has urged Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to stay at the Serie A champions rather than move somewhere which is more financially rewarding.

http://markting10.nl/

The France international is being heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but Sacchi believes leaving Juve for the Ligue 1 giants could hurt Pogba's career.

"Paul has a lot of quality and has had the luck to arrive at Juventus at the right moment," Sacchi was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"Juventus are the example of a team that multiplies the quality of the individual.

http://markting10.nl/

"When you are feeling well at a club, you should not leave. One million more or less doesn't make someone richer or poorer. A player should primarily think about their career.

"There are plenty of examples of big players who switched clubs for higher wages and then flopped at their new team."

Pogba, 20, has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

[Socrates 8295]

Juve target Pogba after Pirlo

Jan 9, 2014

Assumed off to a strong start in renewal talks with Andrea Pirlo, Juventus officials will reportedly start proceedings on a new contract with Paul Pogba.

http://markting10.nl/

A number of Italian outlets yesterday picked up on Pirlo’s presence at club headquarters on Wednesday as a sign of contract renewal talks have begun, and perhaps having already seen an agreement on a two-year deal reached.

On from the assumption that a deal to commit the playmaker until June 2016 is close, reports today highlight club officials as looking to initiate talks with Pogba over a contract extension.

http://markting10.nl/

Tuttosport report that director general Beppe Marotta is hoping to open up talks soon with Pogba’s representative Mino Raiola.

With the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain having been previously linked with the Frenchman, the Bianconeri are seen as requiring a ‘major economic effort’ in order to renew the former Manchester United youngster’s current deal.

[Socrates 8295]

‘Pogba will join PSG this summer’

Jan 9, 2014

FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti has hypothesised that Juventus will sign Paul Pogba to a new contract, but then sell him to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

http://markting10.nl/

The Frenchman has been linked with PSG as well as Real Madrid in recent months, for his development so far in Turin.

On from increasing reports and indications from the Bianconeri that they will open contract renewal talks with the 20-year-old shortly, Bronzetti has offered his view.

“Pogba to PSG is a scenario that is quite clear. In June he will go,” the agent, who has worked closely with Juventus in the past, has told Premium Calcio today.

http://markting10.nl/

“It is not done, but it is an operation that I see happening in the end.

“Juve will not decline an offer of €50m to €60m, whilst I also believe that would be good.

“I think that in the coming months they may reach a preliminary renewal and then he will be sold in the summer.

http://markting10.nl/

“In the deal, however, I do not think Verratti can be included.”

Bronzetti commented also in this interview that ‘Juventus offered €30m for Gonzalo Higuain’ in the summer, before reflected on Real Madrid’s apparent interest in Andrea Pirlo and previous reports linking Giorgio Chiellini with the Spaniards.

“Pirlo has never been a goal of Real Madrid’s. [President Florentino] Perez does not buy those aged over 30.

http://markting10.nl/

“Chiellini was very close to Real Madrid for about €25m to €30m, but [then Coach Jose] Mournho decided to focus on [Ricardo] Carvalho.”

Bronzetti also represents Carlo Ancelotti, who last summer left PSG to take over at Real Madrid.

“He had been chosen by Manchester United before Moyes, but he had already given his word to Real Madrid.”

[Socrates 8295]

Juve to hike Pogba’s wage, but…

Jan 10, 2014

Juventus are reportedly ready to offer Paul Pogba €4m a season, but three clubs are apparently preparing to offer up to double that.

http://markting10.nl/

The midfielder has attracted equal recognition and transfer speculation over the past 18 months for his form in Turin, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain among those said to be following the 20-year-old’s progress with interest.

Subsequently, and on from director general Beppe Marotta’s recent hints, it is believed that the Old Lady are looking to initiate talks over an improved contract.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport indicate that the Bianconeri are willing to quadruple Pogba’s current earnings to €4m a season and extend his deal by a further two years.

http://markting10.nl/

Such a move would pull the former Manchester United man up to the same wage bracket as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal and just below high earners Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente.

However, it is suggested by the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport that PSG are willing to place an offer of at least €7m-a-year on the table to tempt Pogba, and that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would both be offering as much as €8m as an annual salary.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba, Pjanic or Cabaye - who will
Paris Saint-Germain sign in January?

Laurent Blanc's side are focusing on strengthening their midfield, yet the approach
of the Ligue 1 champions will be one of patience to ensure they secure the correct man.

Jan 10, 2014

SPECIAL REPORT
By Robin Bairner & Simone Rovera

There will be no indecent offers or enormous changes in the Paris Saint-Germain squad this January.

http://markting10.nl/

If something does happen in the French capital this month, it will be in midfield. Any potential arrival will not be a replacement, but a starter who can play with Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti, most notably in the Champions League. The two Italians are now untouchable (more so than Blaise Matuidi) in an area of the field that Laurent Blanc would increasingly like to resemble Barcelona.

For the Parc des Princes club, their dream is named Paul Pogba. This is nothing new. The director general of Juventus, Beppe Marotta, responded to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi before last weekend’s match with Roma: “There is nothing planned in the short term. The relationship with him and his representatives is excellent and I don’t believe there will be any issues.”

The Bianconeri are aiming to extend Pogba’s contract, which expires in 2016, with a pay increase, to avoid an offer from PSG turning his head, or that of agent Mino Raiola, who is always ready to raise the stakes when one of his players is targeted by a big club.

http://markting10.nl/

The leaders of the Old Lady are ready to increase the salary of the player to €3 million net per year, with significant bonuses for victories in Serie A and the Champions League.

Will it be enough? Maybe not. Paris currently can make a large offer, though perhaps not the €7m that the Italian press speak of, due to fears of upsetting the balance of the locker room – Pogba is only 20 and cannot just appear having been handed the fourth-largest salary at the club.

He is a prodigy but he has only played two seasons at the top level, winning one Scudetto – the second is on its way - with Juve. He has only played 14 Champions League matches and seven with the France team.

http://markting10.nl/

In fact, he has more or less the same experience as Verratti, who is Italy's biggest hope and has only four international caps. After his first contract extension, he was awarded only €2m per season.

Can PSG risk presenting a similar player with three times his salary? In this case, Donato Di Campli, the agent of the young Italian, would not be content to sit on his hands, and this could trigger a domino effect with several players looking for new deals.

To avoid exactly this situation, the Parisian leaders took three of four months to negotiate the extension of Thiago Motta, and are still in talks with the agents of Alex, Salvatore Sirigu and others.

http://markting10.nl/

One rumour that is circulating around Paris persistently since the summer is a move for Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye. This has been at the emphasis of others, most notably the French press. In the capital, it is only Blanc and the PSG board, who dictate transfer strategy, and there is no one who believes that the international midfielder would not increase the technical level of the midfield. In short, Cabaye would be a good substitute, but not a key element for the future. In addition, Newcastle’s asking price of €20m has taken the player away from being a priority for PSG.

Miralem Pjanic is now the preferred option to arrive in January. He is 23 years old and already has seven seasons in top leagues between Ligue 1 and Serie A, as well as 23 appearances in the Champions League with Olympique Lyonnais and nearly 50 caps with Bosnia.

Roma are currently strengthening their midfield with the arrival of Radja Nainggolan (€3m for the loan, and potentially up to €15m for his full rights), Leandro Paredes (loan and an option to buy for €4.5m) and they are dreaming of Juan Iturbe, the Hellas Verona ace, who could leave for €15m.

http://markting10.nl/

It is easy to think that the sale of Pjanic could fund these transfers, but will the deal take place in January or June?

Pjanic is admired by Blanc and Parisian leaders. Even Al-Khelaifi admitted that he considers him a great player. The established team leaders would also consider him a top-level recruit, with his experience in Serie A working in his favour. In addition, those players who have arrived from Italy in the last two seasons are now the most important players on and off the field.

His situation is not so different to Pogba’s: his contract in Rome lasts until 2015, while the Giallorossi's sporting director Walter Sabatini is ready to match the player’s requested wage of €3m per year in order to entice him to stay. An exchange with Javier Pastore has been muted, but though the Argentine’s wage could be matched by Roma, negotiating a deal in 20 days will be problematic.

http://markting10.nl/

On paper, this exchange remains a solution that would not displease PSG or Roma, where Sabatini, the former sporting director of Palermo who brought the Argentine to Europe, officiates. The link between the two has never been broken, as Pastore explained to the Italian press a few weeks ago. That said, ‘El Flaco’ has no intention of leaving Paris this winter, even to rejoin his former master in Italy.

If for Pjanic, as for Pogba, the simplest solution is to wait until June, Verratti’s muscle problem shows that, aside from rookie Adrien Rabiot, there is no high-level replacement in the middle of the field.

However, PSG do not want to buy players who do not fit 110 per cent into the framework of the club. Blanc has repeated this several times recently. When he was still in Doha, he announced to beIN Sport that he is happy with his squad, but if an injury should occur, he would need more in midfield. He repeated this on Wednesday after the Coupe de France win over Brest.

http://markting10.nl/

Asked about the need for a replacement on the right of his defence after an injury to Christophe Jallet, Blanc said that at this moment he is happy to have seven players for four positions, but conversely the alternatives in the midfield were limited.

PSG's strategy is clear: there will be no arrivals to increase the number of substitutes available to Laurent Blanc, and that goes for the midfield as much as the right-back role. If there is a replacement, he will be a very good player and will start. The absence of Jallet, a replacement who alternates good games with more discreet ones, has offered PSG the chance for reflection with regards to buying in this area.

http://markting10.nl/

According to several good sources, it is not easy to find a high-level right-back in this January window. It is not practical to sign a full-back by default to offer back-up to Gregory van der Wiel and then have three players for the same position when Jallet returns. Abundance of quality is not harmful, it is generally said, except that this proverb does not apply to PSG, who seek excellence and quality, rather than quantity.

Marquinhos played some strong games at right-back when he was with Roma, and he took up the post during the last 20 minutes of the friendly match against Real Madrid on January 2. And as he is third in the hierarchy of centre-back, behind Alex and, of course, Thiago Silva, he may seize his chance at this position in the coming weeks. Unless something better arrives ...

[Socrates 8295]

Marotta: No offers for Pogba

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both said to be interested
in the France international but neither club has yet made an official approach.

Jan 10, 2014

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta insists that the club has yet to receive any offers for midfield ace Paul Pogba.

http://markting10.nl/

The France international has been linked with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks and the 20-year-old was recently pictured in the shirt of the Ligue 1 champions.

However, Marotta claims that no formal approach has been made by PSG - or any other club for that matter.

“Pogba? That's just talk,” he told Tuttosport. “We have not received any offers.”

http://markting10.nl/

After nailing down a regular birth in Antonio Conte's line-up in his first, title-winning season in Serie A, Pogba is now being touted as one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Consequently, Juventus are currently trying to fend off potential suitors by tying the former Manchester United man down to a new four-year contract.

[Socrates 8295]

'Pogba was Ferguson's big mistake'

Jan 13, 2014

Zinedine Zidane believes that Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to let Paul Pogba leave for Juventus was one of his biggest mistakes.

http://markting10.nl/

The French youngster left Old Trafford in 2012 after a falling out with Ferguson, due largely to his request for more playing time and a £20,000-a-week contract.

The Bleus international has since impressed with the Old Lady, becoming an integral part of the Bianconeri’s XI under Antonio Conte.

"The word 'mistake' is not something you would normally associate with Alex Ferguson's time at Manchester United," Zidane told the Sunday Mirror.

http://markting10.nl/

"But I do think it was a mistake letting Paul Pogba leave.

"He will go on to be one of the best central midfield players in Europe and he was the natural successor to Paul Scholes, someone they could have built the team around."

http://markting10.nl/

Zidane, who now works as sporting director at Real Madrid, also hinted the Spanish giants are keeping tabs on the French international.

"He is with Juventus and doing very well but, as always, Real Madrid will be looking to add the best players in the world.”

[Socrates 8295]

'Everybody wants Pogba' - Zidane

The Real Madrid assistant coach has hinted at increased interest in signing
the 20-year-old and is backing him as a future winner of the Ballon d'Or.

Jan 14, 2014

Zinedine Zidane has hinted that Real Madrid could be interested in signing Paul Pogba following his exceptional displays for Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

Pogba, who has been instrumental in helping Juve top Serie A this season with five goals in 19 appearances, has thrived in Turin since his move from Manchester United in the summer of 2012.

The France starlet has caught the attention of many of Europe's top clubs this season, with Paris Saint-Germain heavily linked with a move for the 20-year-old, and Zidane has not ruled out the prospect of Madrid entering the race for a player who he believes will soon be in the running to win the Ballon d'Or.

"Everybody wants him," Zidane, a one-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

http://markting10.nl/

"In a few years Pogba will surely be among the three finalists. He is still young, but in the future he could win the Ballon d'Or.

"It's a major award for a player and it changes your life. I won it in 1998, the same year I won the World Cup and that means that it has changed my life."

[Socrates 8295]

Manchester City to offer Jovetic
in exchange for Juventus star Pogba

Jan 14, 2014

Manchester City are the latest in the long line of clubs interested in signing Paul Pogba from Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

Pogba, 20, has flourished at the Turin outfit and has become a vital member of the squad and has recently attracted interest from former club Manchester United as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

The Manchester Evening News has reported that City are prepared to use Stevan Jovetic as part of any deal for the young playmaker as the Bianconeri had shown an interest in the Montenegro international during his time with Fiorentina.

http://markting10.nl/

The France international joined Juventus in 2012 on a free transfer from United and quickly demonstrated his ability in the first team and has continued his fine form this season, notching five goals in his 19 appearances in Serie A for the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8295]

Buffon: Are Man Utd blind?

Jan 15, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that he didn’t know what Manchester United were thinking letting Paul Pogba go.

http://markting10.nl/

The French youngster joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from the Old Trafford outfit, and has since gone on to become one of the Old Lady’s most integral parts.

And the shot-stopper has conceded that it was obvious straight away what a talent Pogba was.

http://markting10.nl/

“He's one of those players who leaves you with your mouth wide open,” Buffon told Italia Uno.

“We all asked ourselves, after seeing him train with us for the third or the fourth time, when he was still unknown, whether the people in Manchester couldn't see very well.”

[Socrates 8295]

PSG preparing Pogba bid?

Jan 16, 2014

More reports from France this afternoon insist that Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up a move for Paul Pogba.

http://markting10.nl/

With the young midfielder yet to sign a contract extension at Juventus, the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive this month, with publications all over Europe suggesting that the Bleus international will leave Turin.

Real Madrid and Manchester United have been linked with the 20-year-old, but France Football claim that it is PSG who are in pole position for Pogba’s signature.

http://markting10.nl/

However, the magazine also reveals that the Bianconeri will sit down with his representatives soon to negotiate an extension.

It is believed that Antonio Conte’s men would up Pogba’s wages from €1.5m per season to €4m.