Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8414]

Barca-Real fight for Pogba

Feb 28, 2015

Marca, AS and Tuttosport claim Real Madrid and Barcelona are in a bidding war for Juventus star Paul Pogba.

Papers in Spain and Italy repeat the same reports, that the two Liga clubs are the front-runners to prise Pogba away from Turin.

Manchester United, PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City have also shown a marked interest in the 21-year-old French midfielder.

The rumours suggest Real Madrid collaborator Zinedine Zidane is working behind the scenes to convince Pogba he can become the latest Galactico.

AS claim Zizou is in fact pushing hard with the current Real Madrid hierarchy to go all in for Pogboom.

Meanwhile, Barça are also sending positive messages to the ex-Manchester United youth product, who is valued at around €100m.

His price-tag does not only reflect his worth on the pitch, but also his immense sponsorship potential.

Tuttosport also suggest that agent Mino Raiola picked up a commission worth €4.5m to secure Pogba’s contract renewal until 2019.

On Friday Juventus director Beppe Marotta said “we are not looking for buyers.”

[Socrates 8414]

Zidane Urges Real Madrid To Sign Pogba

Mar 1, 2015

Real Madrid legend and current youth team coach Zinedine Zidane is determined for the club to secure the signing of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

Los Blancos have been persistently linked with making a move for the Frenchman in recent seasons, and this will only add further fuel to those reports.

According to AS, Zidane is urging the club to bring Pogba to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, in order to fight off competition from rivals Barcelona, as well as competition in England and France.

Pogba has been linked with a move away from Serie A for a while now, despite the player insisting he is happy at the Bianconeri.

Being a client of agent Mino Raiola, it is hard to rule out the possibility of a big money move for the 21-year-old.

Pogba has featured 20 times in Serie A for Juve this season, scoring six goals and assisting a further two.

[Socrates 8414]

Marotta: Juventus is the best place for Pogba

The Bianconeri chief was dismissive of agent Mino Raiola thinking
he had sway over the midfielder's future, whom he believes will stay in Turin.

Mar 6, 2015

Juventus is the best place for Paul Pogba to grow into one of the world's best players, according to general manager Giuseppe Marotta.

The highly-rated midfielder's agent, Mino Raiola, has recently talked up the possibility that he could leave Turin this summer if a sky-high bid of €100 million was tabled.

Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are just a few of the big clubs linked with a move for Pogba, but Marotta is hopeful the Scudetto holders can cling on to the 21-year-old.

When asked if Raiola's claims on Thursday that he could stay in Turin were down to not being able to find suitors, he told reporters: "No, his sports rights are with Juventus only, so it is Juventus who will decide.

"However, the decision of the player is definitely critical. But, beyond this, we're speaking about a boy who is 21-years-old, he is very young, I think he can grow from game-to-game.

"Here is the natural habitat for him - for his growth and his development. We recently extended his contract and we did with the perspective of wanting to build a competitive team around him."

[Socrates 8414]

Pogba agrees to PSG move?

Mar 6, 2015

Reports in France claim Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has agreed in principle to move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The player’s agent yesterday hinted that such a move could be possible, declaring that Ligue 1 was ‘not too small’ for the talented 21-year-old.

Now Le10Sport claims that the Parisien side have come to an agreement in principle which would see Pogba earn a huge salary of €10m per season, more than double the €4.5 contract agreed with Juventus in October.

The website believes that Pogba has provisionally agreed to the move, although nothing has been signed as yet. It's also believed Financial Fair Play restrictions could prove difficult for PSG, as Juventus would demand a huge fee.

The Frenchman’s agent, Mino Raiola, also represents Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Maxwell and Gregory van der Wiel, who are already at Parc Des Princes.

[Socrates 8414]

Pogba to Barcelona talk just speculation - Luis Enrique

The Barca coach would not be drawn on the speculation linking the Juventus
star with a transfer to Camp Nou following reports of a potential bid this week.

Mar 7, 2015

Luis Enrique says transfer rumours linking Barcelona with a big money bid for Juventus star Paul Pogba are nothing more than idle speculation.

Real Madrid have been persistently tipped to break the world transfer record and buy the midfielder this summer, while a number of English sides and PSG are also interested.

But Barcelona have recently emerged as a potential destination and sporting director Ariedo Braida scouted the Frenchman during Juventus' Champions League clash with Dortmund last week.

Any move for Pogba, 21, would be complicated, however, given that Barca are banned from signing players until 2016 and Luis Enrique offered little response to the latest round of reports.

"Pogba rumours? I'm not talking about speculation, I can't control that. I'm focused on football now," he said ahead of his side's clash with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

[Socrates 8414]

Pogba '99 per cent at Juventus'

Mar 8, 2015

Agent Mino Raiola says Paul Pogba will “99 per cent” stay at Juventus, despite bids from “Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern, Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea.”

The French midfielder’s price-tag is believed to be a minimum of €100m and rising, though so far the Bianconeri have resisted all proposals.

“We made a pact with Juve: Paul doesn’t have to leave,” agent Raiola told Tuttosport.

“I spoke to President Andrea Agnelli, directors Pavel Nedved, Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici, so they all agree. The club doesn’t need the money.

“At this moment the situation at Juve is ideal for Pogba. We would only leave if a situation emerged that was favourable for all concerned.

“He is wanted by seven clubs and that is certain, because they all told me so. The ones that can afford him are Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

“If I just whistled, I’d sell Pogba tomorrow to PSG or City in a heartbeat. But Paul did not tell me to find him another club.

“What are his chances of staying? As of today it’s 99 per cent. Juve agree with our approach, which is that they will only sell if Paul asks to leave and there’s a suitable offer. Of course, it could become one per cent, it depends on the market.

“For a year and a half Marotta and Paratici have been working on a market strategy, whether they sell Pogba or keep him.”

Raiola revealed more details about the Spanish battle breaking out between Real Madrid and Barcelona for Pogba.

“Real wanted him 18 months ago, but I didn’t like the attitude Madrid had with me. Juve asked for about €50m and Real told me it was a ridiculous sum. Even Carlo Ancelotti told me that and he adores Pogba. I don’t have to sell him, though. Barcelona could be an option and we’ll see if the Catalans complain too...

“I advised Paul to only leave Juve if he finds a club that desperately wants him. Right now it’s easier to remain in Turin than to leave. Juve are the side with the advantage.

“In fact, if Juventus keep him, then in one or two years they could get even more. Pogba is like a Basquiat or Andy Warhol painting. He’s very pop-art.

“Look at Basquiat’s paintings and you’ll see so much of Paul in there, that mane, the colours, the fire. He also has a divine calm.

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic was never like that. I always got the feeling I was holding an atomic bomb in my hand. Being with Paul is a pleasure. He understands things so well, feels gratitude and respect for Juve.”

[Socrates 8414]

Pogba: My €200 million price tag is head-spinning

The midfielder is concentrating on his performances after reports suggested
interested clubs would have to cough up the colossal figure for his fee and salary.

Mar 11, 2015

Paul Pogba has branded his €200 million price tag as “head-spinning” as the transfer saga around him at Juventus rumbles on.

The French midfielder's agent, Mino Raiola, is alleged to have told Barcelona that they would need to pay €200m for the combined fee and salary of the 21-year-old in January 2016.

Although Pogba signed a new contract with the Scudetto holders late last year, the rumour mill has only increased with ferocity since January with Real Madrid and Chelsea linked with a summer move.

But the former Manchester United youngster is trying to think only about his efforts for Juventus, whom he fired to an 11-point lead in Serie A with his late winner against Sassuolo on Monday.

"I think I have to be more focused on the field because these things can make your head spin," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"I'm concentrating only on my performances, as I always say. If you want to know about transfer things you'd have to ask Mino Raiola.

"I am focused to win the Scudetto and not thinking about anything else. If I want to become a great player then I have to work harder, and do more and more in training.

"I try to thrive in every game and I have the confidence of my coach and team-mates - I have to grow up and do better."

[Socrates 8414]

'Verratti is Pogba's equal'

Mar 13, 2015

Marco Verratti's agent says the Paris Saint-Germain ace is 'the most important Italian player' and worth as much as Juventus' Paul Pogba.

The veteran of the 2014 World Cup saw his value boost after PSG's dramatic 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Wednesday, which saw the French team through into the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to aggregate away goals.

His agent Donato Di Campli, conscious of rumours surrounding a Verratti-Pogba swap, believes the exchange can only be in equal terms.

“I hear talk of €100m for Pogba, while in Italy we have an extremely important player,” he said to Sky Sport 24. “Yes, Verratti is worth as much as the Juve midfielder.

[Socrates 8414]

We can get €80m for Pogba, say Juventus

The Bianconeri have admitted that many sides want the French international
but added that they have no interested in selling the midfielder.

Mar 14, 2015

Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta claims that several top European clubs are willing to pay €80 million for Paul Pogba.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Italian champions, despite the fact that he is under contract until 2019.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City are all said to be ready to launch record transfer raids for the France international, and Marotta has admitted that the Turin giants could cash in on him tomorrow if they so wished.

"There are so many buyers for Pogba,” Marotta told Radio Deejay.

“There are teams ready to spend 70-80 million euro for him, but we don't want to open negotiations because we want keep him to continue to develop here.”

Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, claimed this week that while he could 2sell Pogba to PSG or Man City in a heartbeat", his client is currently settled and happy to stay in Turin.

Meanwhile, Marotta also revealed that Juve were interested in Italy international Marco Verratti prior to the 22-year-old’s €12 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2012.

"We had contacts in that summer he went to PSG, but we had just taken Pogba [from Manchester United]," he explained.

“Then came the offer of [PSG director] Leonardo and we could not match it."

[Socrates 8414]

Raiola: ‘Pogba doesn’t want Madrid’

Mar 19, 2015

Paul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, says the Juventus midfielder is not interested in moving to Real Madrid.

The French starlet signed a new contract with the Bianconeri in October, but has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Turin, with Real Madrid one of the clubs reportedly interested.

However, in an interview with French sports newspaper L’Equipe, Raiola has dismissed those rumours.

“Everyone says Pogba is the player with the most potential they’ve ever seen,” the famous agent explained.

“I’m the only one who doesn’t talk about Paul and the transfer market. His contract has been extended with Juventus, with the idea that he’s one of the top players at the club.

“Now, if another club wants Pogba, then they can present us with an offer, and we won’t talk about money. Paul will go where he feels good, where he’ll be happy.

“Real Madrid say they’re not interested? Good, if that’s the case we’re not interested either!

“I never went to Real Madrid and said to them ‘please buy Pogba’, never. Real Madrid are a club which is in the habit of buying players like they’re a washcloth, then disposing of them like a washcloth.

“Real is a club which sees a player have six good games in the World Cup and then buys him. We don’t want to go to a club like that.

“We want to go to a club that believes in Paul’s potential. I’m not closing the door to Real, but I’m not going to open it either.”

Raiola did not, however, rule out a move to Paris Saint-Germain where several of his clients, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently play.

“Someone in the Italian media asked me what Pogba’s value is. I replied that Pogba is like a work by Basquiat [a famous American artist].

“Why did I say that? Because no-one knows Paul’s real value. People don’t believe me, but if someone likes Pogba it could be €100m, €120m, €130m…

“PSG? I prefer to act when something concrete develops. I just know that Paul will be successful regardless of which club he’s at.”

[Socrates 8414]

Pogba sidelined for Juventus until May

The midfielder has been ruled out for 50 days with a hamstring injury,
the Serie A champions have confirmed, meaning he will miss crucial clashes in April.

Mar 19, 2015

Juventus have been dealt a blow to their European and domestic trophy hopes as midfielder Paul Pogba has been ruled out with a hamstring injury until May.

The 22-year-old has been a key part of the Bianconeri's incredible Serie A record in 2014-15 – they are 14 points clear and look certain to wrap up the Scudetto over the coming weeks.

With Champions League clashes and a Coppa Italia semi-final second leg at Fiorentina to come in the next month, however, Pogba's absence could hit their hopes of winning the treble hard before he returns for the final few matches of the season.

The France international limped off as Massimiliano Allegri's men breezed past Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 second leg and there were fears that a moderate spell on the sidelines could be on the cards.

Those fears have proven to be justified and Juventus - who signed Pogba as a teenager on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012 - revealed the extent of his injury on Thursday.

"Paul Pogba, who was brought off during the first half of Dortmund-Juventus, has been medically examined," a statement on the club's website reads.

"Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the initial suspicion of a second-degree injury to Pogba's right hamstring. The recovery schedule for the midfielder is due to take 50 days."

If Juventus' timeline is accurate, Pogba will be fit to feature in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals should they reach the last four, although he is unlikely to be approaching full fitness until the middle of May.

[Avvocato (37) 10304]

Great

Modificato March 21, 2015 da Avvocato (32)

[Socrates 8414]

Deschamps: Pogba should have been rested

The France coach was left to lament the serious hamstring injury suffered
by the Juventus star, insisting he has been made to play too much football.

Mar 20, 2015

France coach Didier Deschamps believes a serious hamstring injury to striker Paul Pogba is down to the Juventus midfielder being overused.

Pogba, 22, hurt his right hamstring early in Juve's 3-0 demolition of Borussia Dortmund, which saw the Serie A title-holders advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

The France international is set to miss up to seven weeks, which would rule him out of competing in both legs of the quarter-finals or semi-finals in Europe as well as friendlies for France, against Brazil and Denmark in March.

"What happened is difficult for the player himself," Deschamps said.

"Paul has his first muscular injury, that's something new for him.

"Even when a young player is fit, these kind of things can happen.

"He's playing a lot of games. The seasons are long for him; he doesn't always have a real holiday. His body needed a break."

[Socrates 8414]

Nedved: 'PSG offer for Pogba'

Mar 21, 2015

Pavel Nedved told Le Parisien that Juventus “have received an offer from PSG for Paul Pogba, but Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested.”

The Bianconeri director was quoted in the French newspaper this morning.

“Yes, we have received an offer from Paris Saint-Germain for Paul,” Nedved told Le Parisien.

“But they are not the only club to want him. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested in the player.”

Pogba is believed to be worth between €80m and €100m with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United also in the bidding war.

PSG director of sport Olivier Letang quickly moved to deny Nedved’s claim that a formal proposal had already been sent to Juventus.

French radio station RMC had suggested over the last few days that Pogba had met with PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi in Monaco.

Juventus will play Monaco in the Champions League quarter-finals next month.

[Socrates 8414]

Juventus: We don't need to sell Pogba

The club revealed on Saturday that Paris Saint-Germain have bid
for the midfielder, but they remain determined to hold on to the Frenchman.

Mar 22, 2015

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has insisted the club don't need to sell Paul Pogba amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Bianconeri director Pavel Nedved revealed on Saturday that the Ligue 1 champions had made a bid for the midfielder, while revealing Barcelona and Real Madrid are also interested in the player.

But after the Serie A champions beat Genoa 1-0 on Sunday in the absence of their star man, who was missing with a hamstring injury that will keep him out until May, Marotta said the club had no interest in selling the France international.

"Pogba is a young player with lots of promise but he is realising his potential," he said.

"We want to win and we don't necessarily have to sell our best players. It is clear that players of this quality attract interest from other clubs but we don't seek buyers and there has been no contact."

Carlos Tevez scored the only goal of the game at Juventus Stadium to extend the club's lead at the top of Serie A to 17 points and Marotta said the win proved his side can operate without Pogba.

"We are celebrating a win without Pogba. That says to me that the group is crucial even if the player is important."

[Socrates 8414]

Barca pull out of Pogba race?

Mar 24, 2015

Reports in Spain indicate that Barcelona are not in the running to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman is one of Europe’s hottest properties, and although he signed a new deal with the Bianconeri in October, the former Manchester United man continues to be linked with an exit.

Mundo Deportivo had speculated that Barcelona would be one of the interested parties, however that has been contradicted by Catalan newspaper Sport.

The Blaugrana have a transfer ban, and so would be unable to complete any signing until January of 2016.

Allied to probable fines from FIFA for an alleged breach of transfer rules in the signing of Neymar, Barca have reportedly decided a move for Pogba would be too expensive.

Sport believes a transfer would probably cost up to €200m, taking into account transfer fee, wages and other expenses.

[Socrates 8414]

For Paul Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain
might be the best career move

Mar 24, 2015

Barely a week passes without football agent Mino Raiola hitting the headlines by discussing one of his many clients. One of the Italian's more notable recent pronouncements involved Paul Pogba who, Raiola said, could cost over €100m when he leaves Juventus.

It initially seemed like pure hyperbole from an agent with obvious motivation for increasing the value of his star asset, yet the more you consider the situation, the more it seems likely Pogba will become the most expensive player in the history of football.

The greatest factor, of course, is Pogba's sheer ability. He turned 22 last month, and it's clear that the Frenchman is no longer simply a promising young player -- he won the 2013 Golden Boy and, a year later, was named Best Young Player at the World Cup -- but already one of the best footballers around.

It's extremely rare for a player of this age to command this status, but seek out any "best in the world" ranking and Pogba features prominently. No. 30 in ESPN FC's #WorldCupRank countdown, he was rated 20th in the Guardian's end-of-2014 list, and no one above him was younger. He's still improving and will soon feature among the top 10 in the world too.

In terms of being a true all-rounder, Pogba is arguably already the world's best. He's the complete modern player; initially noted for his strength, energy and power, and compared to Patrick Vieira, he has increasingly impressed with his creativity and incredible long-range goals. His Juventus teammate Arturo Vidal is in a similar mould, while Bayern's David Alaba is also a superb multi-functional footballer, but few are quite so talented in so many ways.

In terms of his transfer fee, the crucial detail is that Pogba is wanted by a number of clubs, and therefore a bidding war seems imminent. This, in truth, is relatively unusual for a player being transferred for more than €50m. With Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, there was never any question of him transferring to anyone other than Real Madrid when he left Manchester United in 2009.

Pogba, however, has various suitors. Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City and United, who must rue allowing him to leave for nothing in 2012, are repeatedly linked, but ultimately it will probably come down to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, two clubs who are, perhaps more than anyone else, accustomed to paying over the odds.

Real have broken the world record transfer fee five times in a row -- Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Kaka, Ronaldo and Gareth Bale -- so it's easy to imagine them doing so yet again, and it would be typically Real to sign Pogba for €100m. Carlo Ancelotti is a noted admirer of Pogba, although doubts remain about the Italian's long-term future as Real manager.

One possible replacement for Ancelotti is Zidane, who is currently in charge of Real's reserve team and who earlier this season told L'Equipe: "What Paul is doing at the age of 21 is huge. Maybe we are talking about Pogba a bit too much, but if he can keep up his current development he can become one of the best players ever."

Raiola, however, has been dismissive of Real's interest, admittedly after he was told Ancelotti suggested they weren't currently interested.

"Real Madrid are a club that is used to buying players like you buy a facecloth -- and then throws them away like a facecloth," he said. "Real are a team that sees a player who has six good games at the World Cup and buys him ... we don't want to go to a club like that. We want to go to a club that believes in Paul's potential. I am not closing the door to Real, but I'm not opening it either."

Last week, meanwhile, giornalaccio rosa dello Sport claimed PSG had already made an offer to Juventus for Pogba, and this is particularly intriguing. The French club have constantly paid extravagant sums for players -- €64m for Edinson Cavani and €63m for David Luiz in the last two summers, for example -- which suggests an even bigger outlay for Pogba wouldn't be unreasonable.

Pogba would hold special significance for PSG. While the recent progression against Chelsea confirmed their position at the top table of European football, they're still searching for a true icon of the club. Their stars, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden and Brazil's Thiago Silva, are exclusively foreign, and of the regular starters, only Blaise Matuidi is French, while Yohan Cabaye hasn't really settled and Adrien Rabiot is still a youngster.

Pogba hails from the town of Lagny-sur-Marne, which is around 15 miles to the east of Paris, and therefore this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for PSG to recruit a Parisian who could grow into the world's best.

It seems an opportunity too good to refuse, not merely for footballing reasons but for the club's overall brand. Qatar Sports Investments, the owners of the club, are aware that Paris isn't traditionally considered a football hotbed (the club itself was only formed in 1970) yet are keen to maximise the huge global appeal of the city itself.

Therefore, the club is increasingly keen to be known as Paris, rather than PSG, across Europe, and a subtle but telling change to the club's crest a couple of years ago made this clear. Whereas the old logo said "Paris Saint-Germain" at the top, with "1970" underneath, the new crest has "PARIS" in big bold letters with "Saint-Germain" relegated to the bottom in much smaller font.

The message is clear and what better way to emphasise the club's Parisian identity than signing a world-class Parisian?

While PSG manager Laurent Blanc has admitted that PSG's transfer activities are constrained by financial fair play rules, this doesn't eliminate a move for Pogba. The club must operate at a loss of no more than 30 million euros next year, but should be capable of selling a couple of players to facilitate a move.

Cavani has been repeatedly linked with a move away, with Ezequiel Lavezzi another who could be shown the door this summer. Matuidi and Marco Verratti are extremely important to the current side, but PSG might decide that sacrificing either is worthwhile.

Recruiting Pogba would nevertheless be an enormous transfer for a club like PSG. When QSI completed their takeover in 2012, the club was effectively valued at €100m so it's quite incredible that, just three years later, they could spend that amount on a single player. Never before has a French club broken the world transfer record, which would make this a huge statement of intent.

Although Juventus say he will not be sold this summer, Pogba might yet be the subject of this year's longest-running transfer saga. Usually they are a simple case of "will he or won't he?" but this one is more complex with the destination unknown, and the price potentially significant.

[Socrates 8414]

Juventus cannot keep Pogba if he wants to go - Marotta

The midfielder has shown no indication he wants to leave, according to
the Bianconeri chief, but he says he might be hard to keep if a big offer comes in.

Mar 25, 2015

Juventus chief Giuseppe Marotta does not think the club can keep hold of in-demand midfielder Paul Pogba if he decides he would rather play elsewhere this summer.

The Frenchman has been linked with an array of wealthy clubs over the past few months, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and there have been suggestions he could cost as much as €100 million.

Although Marotta insists that Pogba has so far shown no desire to jump ship from the Scudetto holders, he thinks it will be impossible to keep him in Turin if he starts to pine for a new challenge.

“Pogba is the protagonist of his own destiny and if he decides to leave then we can't stop him,” the Bianconeri chief told Corriere della Sera.

“Pogba has not indicated a willingness to leave, though. The problem will come when the player is offered a contract that is two or three times what he already earns. We're talking in the tens of millions per year.”

Marotta also used Pogba as an example of how Juventus have scouted the best and brightest in world football to secure three successive Serie A titles.

“Our appeal has changed a lot,” he added. “Before it was difficult to encourage players to come, for instance Antonio Di Natale refused to join us years ago.

“Now, however, there is a race to come to us, and I'm talking about a race from players who are all-the-rage, the best in the world.

“Pogba and Carlos Tevez are two examples of our scouting system working wonders. Our knowledge of top young players is excellent, as is our awareness of established players who might want to join us.”

[Socrates 8414]

Zidane: 'Real Madrid on Pogba'

Mar 29, 2015

Zinedine Zidane admitted it’s “logical” Real Madrid would be interested in Juventus starlet Paul Pogba.

The 21-year-old France international is currently out injured, but has been valued at around €100m.

“I don’t know where he’ll go, so you’d have to ask him that. Currently he’s at Juve,” Zidane told Canal Plus.

“Considering his age and potential, I think he can progress even more. When we’re talking about a player like this, it’s logical Real Madrid and other big clubs are interested.”

Pogba has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Juventus have repeatedly denied they have any intention of selling the midfielder.

[Socrates 8414]

Real Madrid interest in Pogba only logical, says Zidane

The Madrid Castilla coach has acknowledged they are keeping tabs
on his compatriot but does not know whether he will be on the move this summer.

Mar 30, 2015

Zinedine Zidane claims it is "only logical" that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Paul Pogba's situation at Juventus.

The France international, 22, signed a new contract with Juventus until the summer of 2019 back in October but is still continually linked with a move away from the Serie A champions.

Clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Madrid have all been touted as possible destinations for Pogba and Zidane feels interest in a player of such potential should not come as a surprise.

"When we are talking about a player like Pogba, it is only logical Real Madrid are interested in signing him," Zidane told Canal+.

"He is a player with immense potential, who still has an important margin for improvement.

"He is still young and has an exciting future ahead of him.

"Where Pogba will play next season? I don't know the answer to that question. You will have to ask him..."

The midfielder, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, has been a key figure for Juventus in 2014-15, scoring seven goals in 22 Serie A appearances.

[Socrates 8414]

PSG Ready To Offer Cavani And Verratti To Get Pogba

Mar 31, 2015

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly willing to offer Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti in a bid to entice Juventus to sell star midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Paris club have long been rumoured to be of interest of the French international since his explosion on the scene at Juventus, after arriving on a free transfer from Manchester United. While PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has also spoken to the player about a move to Ligue 1.

According to Tuttomercatoweb.com, Juventus are now ready to discuss the possibility of Pogba leaving, and the names said to be going the opposite direction are Cavani and Verratti.

It is thought that the Bianconeri have been following the duo for some time, and may begin negotiations should the pair be involved in a deal.

A salary of approximately €9-10 million is rumoured to be offered to Pogba should he ultimately decide to return home, a figure that Juventus will not be likely to match.

[Socrates 8414]

Nedved: Juventus know
that Barcelona want Pogba

The Czech says that the Bianconeri are well aware that the France midfielder
is a man in demand but adds they are confident of holding onto the 22-year-old.

Apr 1, 2015

Juventus director Pavel Nedved has admitted Barcelona and every other major club in Europe want to sign star midfielder Paul Pogba but defiantly pointed out that he remains under contract to the Serie A champions.

Since joining on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, Pogba has established himself as one of Juve's stars and has been linked with a €100 million move away from Turin this summer.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been tracking the France international for some time but Barcelona is being increasingly talked up as a possible destination for the 22-year-old.

Nedved, though, is uninterested with the mounting speculation regarding a possible transfer to Camp Nou, pointing out that Pogba is bound to Juve until 2019.

"We know that Barcelona and other great clubs want him, but he has a contract with us," the Bianconeri board member told El Mundo Deportivo.

Pogba is currently out of action until May with a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League win at Borussia Dortmund earlier this month. However, Nedved is in no doubt that Juventus can cope without their midfield dynamo, who has bagged seven goals in 22 Serie A appearances this term.

"We lose a lot because of his absence," the Ballon d'Or winner stated. "He has great quality.

"But the rest of the squad know what they have to do to replace him."

Indeed, Nedved was quick to point out that the France star is not the only exciting youngster in the Juve squad, with Alvaro Morata having been called up to the Spain squad after impressing in his debut season in Serie A following last summer's move from Madrid.

"I like what he's doing and I'm happy about his national team selection," the 42-year-old said. "He deserved it.

"He can become a world-class player and he's also a great boy."

[Socrates 8414]

I want to play with PSG target Pogba - Verratti

The Italy international has labelled the midfielder a "phenomenon"
and would love the 22-year-old to join him in France.

Apr 2, 2015

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti says he would love to play alongside Juventus star Paul Pogba.

The France international's current deal in Turin runs until 2019 but that hasn't stopped reports linking him with a big money move to several of Europe's top clubs.

Pogba joined Juve after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer in 2012 and is now widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the world, and Verratti is among his admirers.

"Pogba’s a phenomenon," the Italian told So Foot. "If he had been allowed to play at Manchester United he’d have responded as he’s doing now for Juventus.

"He needed confidence. Juventus gave it to him and now he’s proving to everyone that he’s among the best in the world.

"It would be nice to play with him one day, he’s very good. Playing with the best players makes everything is easier."

[Socrates 8414]

Juve have Cavani-Pogba deal?

Apr 17, 2015

Juventus reportedly have an agreement to sign Paris Saint-German's Edinson Cavani, but only if midfielder Paul Pogba is sold.

In spite of the Ligue 1 striker stating only yesterday that he intends to stay in France, rumours are now emerging that the Bianconeri may have finalised a deal to bring the player to Italy in the summer.

Il Quotidiano Sportivo reports of a text message sent by an unidentified Juventus director that gives substance to the reports.

“We’ve signed Cavani, it's all done, it'll only fall through if we don't sell Pogba,” this message allegedly reads.

QS further reports that the Uruguayan will cost €40-45m, with the player being offered a salary of €5.5m yearly.

La Stampa is running the same line today, adding that the player's deal is for a five-year contract. The publication is confident that the deal has already been agreed even though both clubs can be expected to deny it until the summer.

Neither article specifies whether Pogba would have to be sold specifically to PSG for this deal to stand, though rumours of an exchange between the two players - that would also include Marco Verratti - started circulating as early as last January.

[Socrates 8414]

Barcelona's £50m Paul Pogba bid rejected

Apr 18, 2015

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been the subject of a £50m bid from Barcelona, but the reigning Serie A champions have instantly rejected the offer, according to reports.

Pogba, 22, has been linked with a move to a host of European clubs this season, including Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

However, Chelsea are now Barcelona's main rivals for his signature, despite the La Liga side having their £50m offer rejected, reports Sport.

Pogba, who has 22 caps for France, left Old Trafford for Juventus in 2012, where he has won back-to-back league titles.