Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

Thuram hopes Pogba stays

Jan 17, 2014

Former France international Lilian Thuram has expressed his hope at seeing compatriot Paul Pogba remain at Juventus for many years to come.

AMAZONIAN

Pogba’s meteoric rise with the Bianconeri over the last two seasons has seen him attract the interest of various clubs but Thuram, who played with Juventus between 2001 and 2006, would like to see the 20-year-old continue with the current Serie A leaders.

“I hope he stays at Juventus for many years,” Thuram told Rai Sport.

“I remember seeing Pogba play for the France national youth team when he was just 16-years-old.

AMAZONIAN

“After the tournament, I went to see his Coach and told him: ‘Look, this player is amazing for how strong he is. He has this presence’.”

Thuram then gave his opinion on the title race in Italy this season, which is dominated by Juve’s eight-point lead at the top.

“The championship is not over, though. To tell the truth, and unfortunately in Italy, Spain, France and Germany there are teams ahead by so many points, I think it reflects a little of the image of the society in which hwe live.

AMAZONIAN

“There is much difference between those teams that are rich and the rest.”

The 42-year-old also backed Clarence Seedorf, who this week became Milan’s new Coach.

“I remember the first game I saw Seedorf play. He was very young, he played in a game for Ajax against Auxerre.

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“It was strange because he was 16-years-old and when he came in, all his teammates gave him the ball, he already had so much personality.

“I hope that this is the same for him now as Coach.”

[Socrates 8295]

Thuram hoping Pogba stays at Juventus

The 20-year-old France midfielder has been linked with both Paris Saint-Germain
and Real Madrid but his compatriot would love to see him remain in Turin.

Jan 18, 2014

Former Juventus defender Lillian Thuram is desperately hoping that current crowd favourite Paul Pogba will stay in Turin for years to come.

AMAZONIAN

The 20-year-old France midfielder joined the Bianconeri from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and has since gone on to prove himself one of the best young players in the world.

Pogba's sensational form has reportedly attracted the attention of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, but Thuram is praying that his compatriot stays at Juve.

"I remember seeing him play with the French national youth team," he told Rai Sport. "He was only 16 years old. He was a little like the godfather of the team.

AMAZONIAN

"After a tournament, I went to see his coach and told him: 'Look, it is amazing how strong this player is. He has this presence'.

"He replied to me: 'You'll see that today he didn't even have his best game'.

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"So, even at the time, he was already very strong and I'm very happy that everyone speaks so highly of him today.

"I hope that he can remain at Juventus for many years."

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Thiago Motta: 'Juve, sell Pogba!'

Jan 19, 2014

Thiago Motta advises Juventus to cash in on a reported €60m PSG offer for Paul Pogba. “It’d be a good deal for them.”

AMAZONIAN

The Brazilian-Italian midfielder spoke to Tuttosport about life in Paris and the possibility of being joined by Pogba.

“I hope to sign a contract extension. We are missing a few small details, but at this stage I think it will all go well,” said Motta.

“I really like Pogba and also spoke about him to the Juve players during the Italy get-together. He has everything it takes to be a top player.

AMAZONIAN

“Could he win the Ballon d’Or? With Leo Messi at the moment, I’d say it’s impossible. I thought Messi should’ve won it this year too rather than Cristiano Ronaldo, as he’s been the best in the world for five years.

“If Pogba arrived at PSG for €60m, it’d be a good deal for Juve. After having signed him on a free transfer, they’d be able to make a huge profit on his sale. Juventus are good at this sort of deal.

“I must say Arturo Vidal surprised me, as he’s even stronger than Pogba. He presses, runs, has quality and scores goals. He is one of the best midfielders in Europe and I’d put him ahead of Xavi in a FIFA XI.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba's future is black and white

Much coveted midfielder Paul Pogba’s best move would be
to commit his future to Juventus, says Jeremy Lim.

Jan 19, 2014

It does not take much for a Serie A starlet to be put up in the meat market these days. Highlight reels of Paul Pogba on YouTube are being expanded to accommodate his growing feats at Juventus, and likewise the transfer links away from Turin just seem to become more audacious with every additional blockbuster he scores.

AMAZONIAN

The prime cut in question is of course no longer the same unassuming, wide-eyed youngster who made his way to Vinovo for the first time in 2012. Blooded now at the top level for club and country, Pogba has become a force of nature at the centre of the action, the world his oyster as Juventus rush to secure the seed they planted with a contract extension.

Yet despite ongoing negotiations, Paris Saint-Germain and half of the Premier League continue to be linked, never mind that it will take an unworldly sum to prise the 20-year-old from his current owners. With Bianconeri President Andrea Agnelli admitting last October his outfit lack the financial clout to stave off determined bids in the exorbitant, greed-fuelled market climate of today, the lone voice of reason in this whole affair could be Pogba’s.

A sense of inevitability about the midfielder’s eventual departure might linger, but the time is not yet right to leave the side that has become his proving ground and will continue to serve as such. With Pogba in charge of his own future, whether he chooses to stay remains a question of priorities.

AMAZONIAN

Europe’s elite may promise to cover him in wealth, but the daily stimulus of competing in a League with the strength in depth of Serie A is an experience money cannot buy. In a world where being as well-rounded as possible is commonly regarded as key to success, acquiring all the nuances of the League will have a far-reaching impact on his career, whether it lies in Italy or elsewhere.

Calling time on his Juventus stint halfway will almost certainly be a case of Pogba walking before being pushed. In the squad he already occupies a position of utmost trust in Antonio Conte’s mind. The Coach and luminaries like Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo constantly lavish him with the belief and faith he cited as missing when leaving former side Manchester United. Indebted as he is to his current surroundings, the starlet could do a lot worse than nurture his ambitions in an environment that has spurred him to believe in personal greatness from day one.

He is truly capable of clinching all the recognition and silverware before him with the Turin giants. Juventus are nearing the height of her powers - a competitive team with genuine ambitions, eager to cement their status as Italian champions and get back to the top of Europe, irrespective of the recent Champions League exit.

AMAZONIAN

The club’s appetite for success mirrors Pogba’s desire to become the best in the world. With still so much to learn and achieve, committing his long-term future there would mean less of the French sensation placing a ceiling on his potential rather than working with Juventus to achieve their mutual objectives hand-in-hand.

Having proven to be a down-to-earth kid with his priorities in the right place so far, putting pen to paper on the extension Juve have reportedly proposed will seal a partnership that will pay dividends for all parties involved.

After setting the benchmark for what the new generation of young Serie A footballers can really begin aspiring to, Pogba’s next job will be getting down to serious winning with the club he was tailor-made for - one suspects he’ll be notching a few more sizzling strikes along the way.

[Socrates 8295]

PSG lining up mammoth Pogba bid?

Jan 21, 2014

Paris Saint-Germain will table a bid of between €50m-€60m for Paul Pogba, reports in the Italian Press suggest.

AMAZONIAN

Corriere dello Sport write this afternoon that the Ligue 1 champions are desperate to sign the Juventus youngster, and will go all out to sign the France international.

With Fredy Guarin now looking likely to sign from Inter, speculation has increased that Pogba will depart from the Bianconeri soon.

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The paper believes that Laurent Blanc’s men are prepared to offer the 20-year-old wages of €8m per season, double what he currently earns in Turin.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba price up to €70m

Jan 23, 2014

Paul Pogba’s apparent price continues to rise, with reports today suggesting Paris Saint-Germain are readying a €70m assault.

AMAZONIAN

The Juventus midfielder has been increasingly linked this term with a future move away from Turin, with PSG seen to be leading a group of interested parties also including the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Today’s edition of the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport suggests that the 20-year-old’s valuation, which was set in recent months as between €50m and €60m, could actually be beaten by PSG in particular.

AMAZONIAN

It is alleged that the Parisian outfit are ready and willing to cough up to €70m to bring Pogba to the French capital, most likely through a summer bid.

The Bianconeri, meanwhile, are seen as continuing to work to improve the youngster’s current contract.

[Socrates 8295]

PSG, Chelsea, Real race for Pogba

Feb 8, 2014

La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport claims Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is in a €70m bidding war with PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

AMAZONIAN

The midfielder was a free agent when he left Manchester United in 2012 and still aged only 20 has become a regular for Juve and France.

Paris Saint-Germain have made no secret of their interest in Pogba and today the giornalaccio rosa claims they have offered €70m for a summer switch.

However, the Bianconeri are holding out in the hope of sparking a bidding war between PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

AMAZONIAN

Recently Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola set his price-tag at €100m.

This season Pogba has made 29 appearances for his club in all competition, scoring seven goals.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba set for talks over new Juventus contract

The Bianconeri are eager to stave off interest from Paris Saint-Germain in the France
international and are confident of tying the midfielder down until the summer of 2018.

Feb 10, 2014

EXCLUSIVE
By Romeo Agresti

Juventus are set to start negotiations with Paul Pogba over a new contract, with his agent Mino Raiola ready to fly into Turin for talks with the club.

AMAZONIAN

The midfielder joined the club from Manchester United 18 months ago and quickly became a key cog in Antonio Conte's team.

Paris Saint-Germain have been vocal in their admiration for the 20-year-old, though, while he has also reportedly been the subject of interest from England and Germany.

Juventus, however, are eager to avoid their star man becoming embroiled in a long-running transfer saga this summer.

AMAZONIAN

His current contract expires at the end of June 2016 and the club have held initial talks with Raiola concerning a potential extension until 2018.

And, with the controversial agent due to arrive in Turin in the coming days, Juve are increasingly confident that Pogba will commit his future to the club, with both player and entourage happy with the new terms.

The France international has scored six goals in 23 Serie A games this season.

[Socrates 8295]

Man Utd target Pogba

Feb 11, 2014

Paul Pogba is a summer transfer target for Manchester United, reports in the British Press suggest.

AMAZONIAN

The Juventus midfielder has been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

But the Daily Mirror claim that the Old Trafford outfit will try and persuade the France international to re-join the club.

AMAZONIAN

The youngster left the Premier League team in 2012 on a free transfer, but the paper believes that they will look to bring him back this year after impressing for Antonio Conte’s men.

They face enormous competition from the Ligue 1 leaders though, who are said to be in the process of tabling a huge offer for Pogba.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba deal after World Cup

Feb 14, 2014

Paul Pogba will wait until after the World Cup to sign his contract extension at Juventus, according to the Italian Press.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus have been trying to negotiate a new deal with the France international for a few months now.

But Tuttosport claim this morning that the midfielder will not put pen-to-paper until after he’s come back from Brazil in the summer.

The paper reveals that there have been some clashes between the Bianconeri and Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola over the new deal.

AMAZONIAN

The Turin outfit don’t want to include a minimum fee release clause in the contract, whereas the player’s representative does.

There is though, no doubt that the former Manchester United man will sign an extension with Antonio Conte’s men.

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Pogba: Ferguson, Conte and Beckham!

Feb 18, 2014

Paul Pogba revealed why Sir Alex Ferguson provided a key moment, what Antonio Conte told him and why he’d like to be in David Beckham’s brain.

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The 20-year-old Juventus midfielder spoke to Bwin and was asked a series of quickfire questions. See the video below.

“Who did I support as a kid? Zizou... Zidane,” he grinned.

“Who is the most entertaining player now? Balotelli. How do I feel being the youngest in the Juventus squad? I feel like a little brother, like the baby of the team. I like it.”

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Pogba was asked what moments in his career made him able to improve his qualities.

“The first time was when I got my first injury. The second was when (Sir Alex) Ferguson chose not to put me in the Manchester United squad.”

He left United on a free transfer and has formed a strong bond with Juventus Coach Conte. What did he say the first time they met?

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“He told me to be tough. Always tough. Tough, tough, tough!”

Pogba also revealed a fondness for the number 6, which he now wears at Juve.

AMAZONIAN

“I always played with 6, or 42 or 24, as the numbers add up to make 6. If I could be in someone’s head for a moment, who would it be? David Beckham!

“The French players who made history with Juventus? Zidane, Platini, Vieira, Thuram. Whose feet would I like to have? Maradona.”

[Socrates 8295]

Varane: I would love to see Pogba at Madrid

The Blancos defender has offered an invitation his international team-mate
to join him at Santiago Bernabeu, where he has been for two and a half seasons.

Feb 23, 2014

Raphael Varane says he would gladly welcome Paul Pogba to Real Madrid if the midfielder was in a position to leave Juventus.

AMAZONIAN

Since leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2012, Pogba has established himself as a regular for the Bianconeri alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio

However, transfer speculation has abounded of late that some of Europe's top sides - most notably Paris Saint-Germain - have been interested in making a bid for his services, and Varane says he'd delighted if Carlo Ancelotti signed his France team-mate.
"I have no information about any move," the 20-year-old told French football programme Telefoot.

AMAZONIAN

"But personally, if it happens, I'd be very happy. I would love to play with him, but it's not my decision obviously."

Varane and Pogba are both regarded as two of the best young prospects in Europe and have established themselves in the France national team, making their debuts in the same game - a 3-1 win for les Bleus over Georgia last March in World Cup qualifying.

[Socrates 8295]

Juventus' duty to help Pogba reach potential, says Conte

The French midfielder is already regarded as one of the best players around
in Serie A and the Bianconeri coach is confident he can become even better.

Feb 24, 2014

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has vowed to do his utmost to ensure Paul Pogba maximises his potential and becomes one of the best midfielders in the world.

AMAZONIAN

The France international, 20, was one of the standout performers in Juve's 1-0 Serie A win over neighbours Torino at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday and is regarded as one of the best youngsters around in the game.

Pogba has a growing list of suitors following his fine performances this campaign - with the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain thought to be interested in his services - and Conte is confident he is destined for greatness.

"Pogba was definitely more solid in midfield, he fought for every inch defensively and I think this was a very important game for him," he told reporters.

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"He's got great potential and could be a great player both offensively and defensively for Juventus.

"That is me saying this, remember I used to be charging up and down the field myself in my playing days. Paul can fulfil his potential and become a great champion.

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"It's our duty to make him grow in the right way in order to understand the game and adapt to different situations."

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

[Socrates 8295]

Deschamps pleased with Pogba

Feb 27, 2014

France Coach Didier Deschamps says he is pleased with the development of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba under Antonio Conte.

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The 45-year-old also believes there is much more to come from the player ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

“He is young, with enormous potential,” Deschamps said at a Press conference ahead of his team’s friendly with Holland.

“But to get the best out of him we need to handle him in different ways, as Conte does.

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“I haven’t spoken to Antonio about Paul, but I have watched his recent games, even those which have been less positive for him.

Pogba has recently been linked with a big money move to Paris Saint Germain this summer.

“Whether he be at Juventus or PSG, the important thing is that he’s at a big club and playing regularly,” commented Deschamps.

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Deschamps: Pogba plays too much

Mar 4, 2014

France Coach Didier Deschamps says he is concerned at the number of games Juventus star Paul Pogba has been playing over the last year.

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The former Bordeaux tactician was speaking as his side prepare to take on Holland in an international friendly tomorrow evening.

“Paul has played so much since the U-20 World Cup,” Deschamps commented. “He has been preparing for games in different ways and he has been playing so often.

“Juve and Antonio Conte cannot rest him, he is having a great season and they are also in the Europa League.

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“But he is young and they need to be careful with him.”

Pogba has feature in 35 matches in all competitions so far this season, with 25 of those coming in Serie A.

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Vieira: 'Pogba better than me!'

Mar 4, 2014

Patrick Vieira believes Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba “is certainly more talented than I was.”

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The France legend tipped his 20-year-old heir to surpass him very soon after a remarkable rise through the ranks since he was allowed to leave Manchester United as a free agent.

“Compared to me, Pogba is more attacking, whereas I was more defensively-minded,” Vieira told France Football and Tuttosport.

“He pushes forward more and therefore scores more goals. He is also better on a technical level and is certainly more talented than I was.

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“He is a player capable of scoring 10 to 15 goals every year. In a three-man midfield I think it suits his style of football.”

Pogba’s contract with Juventus expires in June 2016, but the club is already at a very advanced stage in renewal negotiations.

It’s reported agent Mino Raiola wants to include a buy-out clause, but the Bianconeri are against the idea.

[Socrates 8295]

'Pogba in a category of his own'

Mar 5, 2014

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has praised Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, saying the youngster is ‘in a category of his own’.

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Holland play France in an international friendly this evening, with the Bianconeri man expected to start in the middle of the park.

And the Oranje Coach has been full of compliments for the 20-year-old.

“Pogba is in a category of his own,” he told reporters. “Paul’s physically strong, very fast and technically superb.

AMAZONIAN

“I don’t know many players with all these qualities.

“He’s the type of player who could fit in any team in the world.”

Pogba’s name has been doing the rounds in the transfer rumour-mill in recent months, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United both registering an interest.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba is untouchable, declares Juventus chief Agnelli

Bianconeri chief Andrea Agnelli has compared the midfielder to a World
Heritage Site and says Antonio Conte's future in Turin is a certainty.

Mar 6, 2014

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has suggested that midfielder Paul Pogba is untouchable and that his future lies in Turin.

AMAZONIAN

The Frenchman, who joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, has been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain with a new contract in Turin yet to materialise.

With his current deal set to run out in June 2016 and talks with the player reported to be rumbling on, however, Agnelli is confident that the reigning Scudetto holders can fend off interest in the highly-rated 20-year-old.

"Pogba is one of Juve's World Heritage Sites," he told gathered media at a UNESCO event. "He enjoys the attention of other big clubs but Juventus are already looking towards his future."

AMAZONIAN

The Juve chief almost hailed the relationship he has with coach Antonio Conte and says that the pair have a clear idea of wha lies ahead in the Serie A leaders' future.

"My relationship with Conte is extremely healthy," Agnelli added. "Antonio shares the same dreams of where we want to take the club."

Juve currently boast a comfortable 11 point lead in the Italian top tier, although second place Roma have a game in hand, and sit in the last 16 of the Europa League having been drawn against Fiorentina.

[Socrates 8295]

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus meet over Pogba

The Champions League hopefuls are keen to lure the midfielder
back to his native country and have opened informal talks.

Mar 7, 2014

By Romeo Agresti

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has met with his Juventus counterpart Andrea Agnelli in a Paris hotel to discuss a potential move for Paul Pogba.

AMAZONIAN

The Ligue 1 champions have long been linked with the France international as they aim to further strengthen their squad this summer and Al-Khelaifi has now sounded out Agnelli in a bid to test the water over a summer transfer.

Pogba has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016 and the Serie A giants are keen to extend the 20-year-old's stay at the club beyond the expiry date of his current deal.

The Europa League hopefuls are willing to offer the Frenchman a new contract until June 2018, worth €4.5 million per year.

AMAZONIAN

However, even though Agnelli stated earlier this week that the powerful midfielder is untouchable, he has previously admitted that Juventus may be unable to hold on to Pogba if a big-money offer comes in and PSG are ready to test the club's resolve.

The former Manchester United man could be offered wages of up to nearly €9m-a-season with the Paris giants and Pogba could be tempted to push for a transfer if PSG step up their interest come the end of the current season.

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Pogba will not be available on the cheap, but PSG could include either Ezequiel Lavezzi or Lucas Moura in the deal to soften Juve's demands.

The midfielder has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this term, scoring eight goals in the process.

[Socrates 8295]

'Pogba-Juve the perfect marriage'

Mar 8, 2014

Agent Mino Raiola insists Paul Pogba doesn’t need a contract renewal. “We are interested only in Juventus, the perfect marriage.”

AMAZONIAN

Every day the papers claim there is a bidding war for the 20-year-old French midfielder, starting from Paris Saint-Germain’s €70m offer.

“Why should he renew his contract? He has a good deal,” Raiola told Radio Deejay.

“We are interested only in Juventus. So far I haven’t heard from anyone, so until I do then nothing can happen.

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“It is the perfect marriage and it’s still going strong. Antonio Conte and the Bianconeri are very important in Paul’s growth process.

“He is a special lad and doesn’t want to be disturbed, because he wants to achieve the objectives he set at the start of the season.

“Those are the Scudetto and now the Europa League, which will have the Final in Turin. It’s not often you get the chance to win a European trophy in your own stadium.”

AMAZONIAN

Raiola is famous for comparing his star players to works of art and did the same for Pogba.

“Let’s just say if one day the Mona Lisa is put up for sale, it won’t be a problem finding a buyer.”

[Socrates 8295]

Real Madrid Step Up Their Attempts
to Sign Paul Pogba of Juventus

Mar 8, 2014

Real Madrid has reportedly stepped up their attempts to sign Juventus’s wonde rkid Paul Pogba in the summer transfer window.

AMAZONIAN

Pro-Madrid daily Marca has run a front page story today, claiming that it is a dream project of President Florentino Perez and Sporting Director Zinedine Zidane to make the promising youngster next “galactico”.

Real Madrid is on the lookout for a powerful midfielder for next season, a footballer who can bring some muscle and quality to the centre of the park. The man at the top of Florentino and Zidane’s wishlist is Paul Pogba, who last December won the Golden Boy Trophy, which is awarded to the bestunder-21 playerin Europe.

It was that award that cleared up any doubts inside the club. The Real board is fully convinced that he would be the best option for that position, given that no other player on the market has his potential at such a young age. At 20 years old, he is already first-choice at Conte’s Juventus, which could make signing him even more complicated.

AMAZONIAN

Zinedine Zidane’s belief that Paul Pogba is a future Ballon d’Or winner should be enough for anyone to sit up and take notice. Particularly Real Madrid, with its penchant for collecting winners of the accolade, from Zidane himself to Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo- the only ‘Galáctico’ to win the award while at the club.

Zidane’s talent-spotting credentials have even been vindicated by the ones that got away. One of the first names the ex-midfielder touted when Florentino returned as president was Eden Hazard, who was at Lille at the time. The Belgian forward wound up at Chelsea and has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top performers.

With Khedira out injured, Ancelotti has used Di María to keep that all-important balance in his team, but the coach agrees that he needs a player more like Pogba for next season.

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Zizou’s dream is for Pogba to one day wear the crown as Europe’s top player in the white of Real Madrid, following in Ronaldo’s footsteps. And no one should scoff at this idea, as Ancelotti’s right-hand man has proven himself to have a fine eye for promising talents.

The highest-profile recent example is Raphaël Varane, a move that Zizou personally campaigned for. His signing took everyone by surprise, as Real Madrid shelled out some €10 million to prise a practically unknown quantity from Lens. We all know how that one turned out.

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The France legend has also played a key role supporting players within the dressing room, notably Karim Benzema, whom he believed in and defended when the striker was at his lowest ebb and many at the club wanted him out.

However, ‘Los Blancos’ may have arrived a little too late, although they won’t give up without a fight. PSG has already made its move. As part of the club’s policy to field more French players, the Parisian club signed Cabaye from Newcastle during the January transfer window.

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Madrid ask Juve for Pogba meeting

Mar 10, 2014

Real Madrid have asked Juventus for a meeting to discuss the possibility of signing Paul Pogba, it’s suggested.

AMAZONIAN

El Confidencial report that Los Blancos have requested to meet with the Bianconeri hierarchy to enquire about the France international.

The former Manchester United youngster has been heavily linked with a switch away from Turin this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain, the Spanish giants and his previous employers all supposedly keen.

Marca claimed over the weekend that Madrid assistant Zinedine Zidane had set his sights of signing Pogba for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.

AMAZONIAN

And El Confidencial believe that the wheels have been put in motion to start that process, by asking members of the Juve board to meet.

Whether they will accept that proposal however, is another matter.

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Ancelotti reveals Pogba interest

The Italian rates him as one of the best young midfielders in the world
alongside Isco and Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti.

Mar 11, 2014

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has hinted he could make a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba this summer.

AMAZONIAN

The 20-year-old has become an increasingly key man for the Serie A champions following his move from Manchester United in 2012, having played in all but one of his side's league games this season.

The France international has been strongly linked with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain as well as a move back to Old Trafford, but Madrid now appear to have entered the race.

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"He is a very good player," Ancelotti told RMC Sport. "He has a very good future. He is at a big club and is doing a very good job.

"He is a complete midfielder. Get him? Why not. This is one of the best young midfielders alongside Marco Verratti and Isco."

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Pogba or Pjanic in, Lavezzi out –
PSG’s plans for a summer revolution

The Ligue 1 champions have shortlisted a number of high-profile names - with the Juventus
star at the very top - while they are also preparing to bid farewell to several players.

Mar 12, 2014

SPECIAL REPORT
By Simone Rovera

Paris Saint-Germain have made plenty of waves in the transfer market in recent years, luring stars such as Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani to Ligue 1.

AMAZONIAN

And while the French giants are on course for a second successive domestic title and are cruising through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, they have no intention of cutting down on their spending.

PSG's aim is to become the best team in Europe and if they fail to conquer the Champions League this season, then their summer activity should give them an even better chance next term.

In order to reach the European summit, the Parisians are planning more major signings ahead of 2014-15. To make room for the new arrivals, they will offload a number of players from their first team squad.

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PSG are keen to add an extra centre-back to their squad and they have earmarked a number of players as potential defensive reinforcements. David Luiz of Chelsea, Mehdi Benatia of Roma and Eliaquim Mangala of Porto have all made the Ligue 1 champions' shortlist. Although they still have faith in Marquinhos, a more experienced partner for Thiago Silva is being considered.

The titleholders are also keeping tabs on a number of right-backs and are eager to bring in some fresh competition for Gregory van der Wiel. Barcelona's Dani Alves is the club's dream target, but they accept it will be a difficult task luring the Brazil international away from his current club. Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy is a cheaper alternative.

In midfield, Juventus star Paul Pogba remains PSG's No.1 transfer target. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has held informal talks with his Juventus counterpart Andrea Agnelli to discuss a potential transfer. The PSG chief has also sat down with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola on a number of occasions in recent weeks while finalising the contract renewals of Maxwell and Blaise Matuidi. The Serie A champions will not let go of the energetic midfielder on the cheap, though, and will not open the bidding at less than €60 million.

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PSG have therefore already looked at alternatives and Miralem Pjanic is their Plan B. The Bosnia international is in talks with Roma over a new deal, but he could earn €4m per year at PSG against €3m per annum at his current club. Even if Pjanic does sign a contract extension with the Giallorossi, a summer move cannot be ruled out. However, the recent long-term injury to Kevin Strootman means Roma will now be more reluctant to sell.

With Ezequiel Lavezzi possibly on his way out, PSG have set their sights on Eden Hazard to strengthen their attack, but there are two serious obstacles. One is Chelsea's valuation and the other is Jose Mourinho's admiration of the Belgium international. A transfer is therefore all but impossible. Another option is Pedro, who has had to settle for a spot on the bench at Barcelona more than he might be willing to accept.

The Champions League challengers are also ready to bid farewell to a number of players, with Jeremy Menez all but certain to leave the Parc des Princes this summer. The versatile attacker has an expiring contract and a number of Serie A sides are closely monitoring his situation, including Juventus, AC Milan and Fiorentina.

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Another attacker who could be on the move come June is Lavezzi. The Argentine is happy and settled at PSG, but has been unable to replicate the form that saw him become a star at Napoli before his transfer to Ligue 1. Inter were keen to bring the attacker back to Italy last year and PSG are ready to open talks if the Nerazzurri reignite their interest this summer, although he would have to accept a pay-cut.

The future of Brazil international Alex is also in doubt as still no agreement has been reached over a contract renewal. The defender is keen to stay at his current club, but PSG might be tempted to offload the former Chelsea man if a better alternative becomes available for the right price.

Another player who could possibly move on ahead of the 2014-15 campaign is Javier Pastore. The Argentine is happy with his current situation at the club, but his status could change if one of Pogba and Pjanic were to arrive. If the latter joins, Pastore could be used in a part-exchange deal as Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini is a huge fan having first brought the South American to Palermo from Huracan.

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Edinson Cavani has also been linked with a transfer and a number of Premier League sides are keeping a close eye on his situation. There have been claims that the 26-year-old is unhappy to play second fiddle behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and would be open to another new adventure. However, a transfer does not seem a realistic option at this point as PSG see the Uruguay international as an integral part of their plans.

Italy international Marco Verratti very much finds himself in the same boat as Cavani. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A, especially Juventus, but PSG are unlikely to let go of the playmaker following his outstanding performances since he joined from Pescara. Verratti has a contract with the French champions until June 2018 and an offer well in excess of €30m will be needed to make PSG even blink.

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Juventus star Pogba: I want to win the Ballon d'Or

The France international says he is in the perfect environment to develop
into one of football's elite as he continues to learn from Buffon, Pirlo and Vidal.

Mar 14, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has set his sights on becoming the world’s best player and says he wants to
win the Ballon d’Or.

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The 20-year-old is developing into an excellent midfielder and has become a key player for the Serie A champions since joining from Manchester United in 2012.

The France international wants to continue the progress he has made throughout his time in Italy and says his main target is to win the sport's most prestigious individual award.

“I want to be the best and win the Ballon d’Or,” Pogba said at event for Bianconeri supporters. “To do it I will have to improve all facets of my game.

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“When I do something it’s because I want to be the best, I will have to make a lot of sacrifices but I hope to win the Ballon d’Or one day.”

The youngster says he is at the perfect place to hone his skills and develop into one of football's elite players as he learns from the star players in the Juve dressing room.

“I need to learn from great players like Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.

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“Here at Juventus there is everything but you always want more.

“Our stadium is the nicest I have ever played in.

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“What’s special about Juve? Great players like Buffon, Pirlo, Vidal and many others.

“I am happy to play alongside them, they are the best in Italy and if I want to be the same I must learn from them."