Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

 

Real Madrid meet for Pogba

http://www.football-italia.net/85662/real-madrid-meet-pogba

 
Jun 10, 2016

Juventus have Miralem Pjanic in hand, but Real Madrid are stepping up their attempts to sign Paul Pogba, including Alvaro Morata and Mateo Kovacic.

Today Pjanic’s PR manager confirmed to Bosnian media that Juve have agreed to activate the release clause in his contract and Roma will receive €32m (as the player is reportedly ready to cut his 20 per cent of the €38m fee to 15 per cent).

According to multiple sources, the official announcement will be made over the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia claim Juventus directors will meet Real Madrid on Wednesday to discuss the many issues between the clubs.

The main sticking point is Morata, as Real Madrid have an option to recall him for €30m, but the player wants to remain in Turin.

The Merengues hope to use this situation to their advantage when making an approach for €100m-rated Pogba.

Sky Sport Italia insist Real Madrid are offering €9m per season wages, but agent Mino Raiola is demanding €13m.

They’d also include Morata and midfielder Kovacic in the deal, but Juventus seem to have no intention of selling Pogba.

Pjanic’s arrival should not impact Pogba’s position, as they play in different midfield roles, while Claudio Marchisio is out until November and Sami Khedira beset by injury problems.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Zidane: 'Everyone wants Pogba'

http://www.football-italia.net/85665/zidane-everyone-wants-pogba

 
Jun 10, 2016

Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane confessed “everyone wants Paul Pogba, but he belongs to Juventus.”

The Champions League winners have been repeatedly linked with a summer swoop for Pogba, who starts for France in tonight’s Euro 2016 opener against Romania.

“Pogba? Everyone wants him because he is very talented, but he belongs to Juventus,” Zidane told reporters after landing in Mumbai.

If Real Madrid were to coax Juve into a sale, they’d have to pay at least €100m, reportedly as much as €120m.

Zidane also commented on his infamous head-butt into Marco Materazzi’s chest in the 2006 World Cup Final.

“On the field a player should not respond to any provocation, so he must learn self-control. Admittedly, I’m not proud of what happened in 2006…”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Paul Pogba, MF, Juventus and

France: #EuroRank: No. 3

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/european-championship/story/

2880132/frances-paul-pogba-3rd-in-euro-2016-rank

 
Jun 10, 2016

Why is Paul Pogba in the top 25?

This is the summer time when Pogba can confirm himself one of the best players on the planet as the leading player of the host nation. Tall and rangy, with rapid acceleration from midfield, he is also powerful as a defensive midfielder and coveted by every major club in the game. At Juventus, he has won four Serie A titles in a row and was a loser to Barcelona in the 2015 Champions League final. At the 2014 World Cup he was recognised by FIFA as the Best Young Player of the tournament after Les Bleus reached the last eight.

What the experts say about Pogba:

"I saw his interviews in which he said he wanted to become the best in the world and I am happy with that, because in my view he can be the best." -- Former Juventus manager Antonio Conte, August 2013.

"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. He is a combination of Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira." -- Zinedine Zidane, October 2014.

Paul Pogba made his France debut in 2013.

Career highlight:

After missing the previous two months because of a hamstring injury, Pogba returned to star for Juve in their Champions League semifinal second leg at Real Madrid, setting up Alvaro Morata's equaliser to make it 1-1 and send his club to the final.

Stat of the season:

Pogba, playing in a more advanced position, finished joint-top of the Serie A assists table with 12 alongside Miralem Pjanic.

What next for Pogba after Euro 2016?

Could this be the summer that he leaves Juventus after four glorious years? Starring at the Euros could push the asking price sky high.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba agreed with substitution

http://www.football-italia.net/85679/pogba-agreed-substitution

 
Jun 11, 2016

Paul Pogba was not upset by his surprise substitution as France beat Romania. “Those who came on gave us the energy we needed.”

Les Bleus opened Euro 2016 with a 2-1 victory, decided in the last minute by Dimitri Payet.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult match,” Pogba told Sky Sport Italia.

“We did very well in the opening 15 minutes, then scored a fantastic goal at the end for the victory. We are all very happy.”

The Juventus midfielder was surprisingly replaced by Anthony Martial after 77 minutes in Paris.

“The starting XI never end up finishing the game together, so substitutions are very important. We did well and those who came on gave us the energy we needed.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba worth €120m plus Kroos

http://www.football-italia.net/85744/pogba-worth-€120m-plus-kroos?

 
Jun 12, 2016

Juventus reportedly told Real Madrid they must pay €120m plus Toni Kroos for Paul Pogba, while the player rejects England.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Bianconeri made it clear their midfield talent is not for sale by naming a huge price-tag.

They want €120m cash and ownership of German international Kroos, who was signed a couple of years ago for €25m.

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia note Pogba has no intention of moving to the Premier League after his experience at Manchester United.

That would rule out Chelsea, Manchester City and a return to Old Trafford.

It’s reported the Frenchman will only agree to leave Juventus for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

[Socrates 8295]

 

POGBA RISKS FRANCE AXE AFTER ROMANIA FLOP

Didier Deschamps could make a bold move with regards his starting XI, as the prospect

of the Juventus ace missing out is a very real one after a poor opening display.

 

http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/pogba-risks-france-axe-after-romania-flop/10l8twelb8h8j1xh1t3b1mz0cb

 
Jun 14, 2016

Euro 2016 has so far been devoid of shocks, yet the first could arrive on Thursday. Rather than a surprise result, it may come by way of team selection, as France might leave out one of their aces, Paul Pogba or Antoine Griezmann.

Didier Deschamps is a pragmatic coach. He has a long history of making hard-nosed decisions and there is no reason to suggest that this will change during Euro 2016. If one of his players is not coming up to standard, the 1998 World Cup winner will pay no heed to his stature in the side. 

The former Olympique de Marseille boss will not distinguish between performances on the field and their influence off it. The two things are united in his view and allow him to fine-tune his selection. A leader like Patrice Evra, for example, is always in the team because he is a player capable of rallying his squad when they come under pressure.

For the opening match of the European Championship between France and Romania, Antoine Griezmann played 66 minutes and Paul Pogba 78. It was a strong signal from the coach that he finished in a 4-2-3-1 formation, having replaced his side’s two greatest stars, who failed to accomplish their respective missions.

“I made a choice,” Deschamps said after the match. “I wanted to bring a new spark to the offence of the team. I wanted to put Dimitri Payet in the middle, so that meant I had to take off one of my midfielders. I could not do that with Kante – you know why.”

The coach’s decision was logical. The two men were far from their devastating best, which they showed regularly for Atletico Madrid and Juventus this season. 

Could Deschamps now go further and drop one or both for the match against Albania on Wednesday? In the World Cup of 2014 in Brazil, he did not hesitate to cut the Juventus man to the bench after a disappointing match against Honduras in the opening game of the competition.

“You have a fixation on Paul,” Moussa Sissoko said, taking a swipe at the media. “That match was not easy for the whole team, but you have called out names. Paul is a big player for us. The coach has choices to make, and I’m ready to be a starter of a substitute.”

Even if the suggestion of one of the star pairing dropping to the bench remains no more than speculation for now, the two men know they have to reach a higher level. Deschamps is a coach very close to his players and he will not hesitate to tell them his thoughts to their face when their performance or attitude is not suitable to a situation. 

Pogba has often been rapped on the knuckles by the coach, who would like his midfielder to play in a simpler fashion at times. 

Rarely has this been clearer than during the encounter at Stade de France last week. It seemed every time he was in possession, he tried something overly extravagant, as if playing to entertain in an exhibition match. On too many occasions it did not come off, and there was certainly a sense that his decision making was influenced by the pressure placed on him prior to the tournament. He cannot afford for it to happen again.

Friday’s win over Romania might only have been a warning, but if the same episode occurs against Albania, it would be no surprise to see one of the two men pushed to the bench for the final group match against Switzerland.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Lloris: ‘Expect more from Pogba’

http://www.football-italia.net/85850/lloris-‘expect-more-pogba’

 
Jun 14, 2016

France captain Hugo Lloris confirms they are “waiting for more” from Paul Pogba.

The Juventus midfielder was expected to be Les Bleus’ star man this summer, but he was substituted after 77 minutes against Romania, and it’s not certain he’ll start tomorrow.

“I don’t have to say if I’ve had a discussion with Paul or not,” Lloris told reporters in the pre-Albania Press conference.

“Obviously we’re waiting for a little more from him. Everyone will make their mark though, it was only the first match.

“His self-image in the team will get better, and I have no doubt that he’ll be there in the key moments.

“The most important thing is to believe in what we do together. The concept of the 23 is very important, and we feel it daily. That has to be our strength.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

‘Different Pogba for France’

http://www.football-italia.net/85853/‘different-pogba-france’

 
Jun 14, 2016

Didier Deschamps admits it’s “not possible” for Paul Pogba to play the same way for France as he does for Juventus.

The midfielder has attracted some criticism for his performance in the opening match of Euro 2016, with the Bianconeri man substituted after 77 minutes of the win over Romania.

“Could see the Pogba of Juventus for France?” Deschamps considered in his Press conference ahead of the Albania game.

“That’s not possible. It’s not the same shirt, or the same system of play. He’s capable though, and he’s shown he can be effective for Les Bleus.

“Who will play tomorrow? I think we have to win the match, no matter who plays. We want to achieve our goal of qualification in the second game, before thinking about the third.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

‘Pogba and €120m for Kroos’

http://www.football-italia.net/85887/‘pogba-and-€120m-kroos’

 
Jun 15, 2016

Felix Kroos declares Juventus would have to pay “€120m plus Paul Pogba” for his brother, Toni.

The Bianconeri are in talks with Real Madrid over a number of issues, first and foremost the potential activation of Alvaro Morata’s buyback clause.

However, the two clubs are also expected to discuss Pogba, and it has been suggested that Kroos could be sent to Turin as part of a deal for the Frenchman.

“I’ve read that Juve have asked €120m plus my brother for Pogba,” Felix Kroos of Union Berlin noted in an interview with AS.

“It should be the opposite. Juventus should play €120m plus Pogba for Toni. He’s the best in the world in his role.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Deschamps: 'Tactical decision'

http://www.football-italia.net/85911/deschamps-tactical-decision

 
Jun 16, 2016

Didier Deschamps dropped Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann as “a tactical decision, not as punishment.”

Eyebrows were raised when both the Juventus and Atletico Madrid stars were left out of the starting XI against Albania.

Both came off the bench in the second half, Griezmann scoring and Pogba sparking the counter for Dimitri Payet’s goal.

“It was a tactical decision, not as punishment,” assured the Coach on Sky Sport Italia.

“I have to look at the big picture and thought that today it was better they play 30 minutes rather than the whole game. In any case, they gave a good response and the substitutions changed the game.”

Just like the 2-1 victory over Romania, France scraped by at the 89^th minute.

“It’s better to win at the last minute than not at all,” smiled Deschamps.

“We lacked a bit of good fortune today in our finishing, but we played better than Albania in the second half. This team has heart and believed to the end.

“Now we are qualified, but the final group game against Switzerland must be played to the maximum of our abilities.”

Switzerland have four points, so a win would see them top the group ahead of hosts France, even if Les Bleus are already qualified.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Raiola: ‘Pogba didn’t gesture’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85940/raiola-‘pogba-didn’t-gesture’

Jun 16, 2016

Mino Raiola angrily denies that Paul Pogba made an obscene gesture to France fans last night.

Images have been circulating online of the Juventus midfielder seemingly making the “bras d’honneur” or “umbrella gesture” after the game against Albania last night, causing a minor storm.

“No, he didn’t do the bras d’honneur after the match,” Raiola fumed in an interview with RMC Sport

“He didn’t do it, and we’ll stop with that nonsense now, because I’m in charge. In the world there are, as we say in English, ‘haters’, people who hate everything.

“We have to concentrate on other things, on the game he played, on the positives, not nonsense that he didn’t do.

“It’s a dance he does with his brothers and his friends. You shouldn’t use Paul for publicity, this nonsense has to stop.

“As I’ve said, it’s haters and people who are not serious. They took unclear images and took them out of context, because it was a dance move. They want to create a scandal, destabilise Paul.

“They won’t succeed in destabilising the lad, because he’s stronger than that. He knows it’s part of his life, 50 per cent love him and 50 per cent hate him because they’re jealous.

“Maybe they’re jealous of him, of his talent, I don’t know. There’s [Antoine] Griezmann too, but I’ll talk about Paul because he’s my player.

“They should be proud to have a player of his extraordinary quality, who everyone wants. I had the same with the Swedish Press and Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] early in his career.

“It’s always hard to be king in your own country, and I think Paul will have the same problem. But really, stop with this nonsense. Speak of what he offers and the athlete he is.

“If I were Paul I’d give the bras d’honneur to these people, with pleasure.

“I’m more upset than him, he’s a calm person, very educated and he doesn’t do these things. There are times when he has to calm me down, when he’s more mature and balanced than me.

“I see this time and time again in my career, when there’s a big star, instead of helping him and doing good for him, there are people who want to tear him down.

“They’re jealous, or racist or I-don’t-know-what. It’s not good. Again, it was a dance with his brothers and his friends as he left the pitch.

“They want to destabilise the lad, but they won’t succeed because all Paul cares about is the opinion of [Coach Didier] Deschamps and his teammates.

“I always say ‘don’t hate appreciate’, it’s simpler and more positive.

“Are they too hard on Pogba in France? Every club in the world wants him! It’s not a coincidence, because he has extraordinary qualities.

“He’s the best player in the world in his role, and at 23 he’s already achieved what many players fail to do in their entire career.

[Socrates 8295]

 

Pogba: ‘I was just celebrating…’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85949/pogba-‘i-was-just-celebrating…’

Jun 16, 2016

Paul Pogba denies he made a rude gesture in France’s win over Albania - “I did my usual dance”.

Images have been circulating online of the Juventus midfielder seemingly making the “bras d’honneur” gesture at fans or journalists in last night’s match.

However, following his agent’s strong denial of that interpretation, the player himself has clarified.

“My joy which I showed with big gestures, as is my habit, after the liberation of the goal by Dmitri Payet has today caused controversy around my so-called ‘bras d’honneur’,” Pogba told RMC.

“I want to say sincerely, but very firmly, that whatever your interpretation of the image may be, I never intended to ‘demonstrate’ or seek revenge on anyone for anything.

“I was madly happy with the result, and I turned toward the stand where I knew my brothers and my mother were. I did my usual dance, arms and fists raised.

“Nothing more, nothing less.”

 

[Socrates 8295]

 

Juventus will demand Real Madrid

pay €160m to sign Paul Pogba

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2896416/juventus

-will-demand-real-madrid-pay-160m-to-sign-paul-pogba

Jun 18, 2016

Real Madrid will have to break their transfer record to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus, Gazzetta dello Sport reports, with the Italian champions holding out for €160 million.

Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has had his eye on his fellow Frenchman for a while, and although he already has Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in his Champions League-winning side, he has made the 23-year-old midfielder his top target.

Zidane, who left Juve for Real himself in 2001, could be the key to the deal happening, but it is said power brokers in the Spanish capital including Real president Florentino Perez are aware the potential deal will be difficult to pull off.

[Socrates 8295]

RUMOURS: Juventus want €160m for Pogba

 

The Bianconeri are keen to keep hold of the France international this summer

despite Real Madrid emerging as the frontrunners to sign him in the coming weeks.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/14222/transfer-talk/2016/06/18/24756732/-?

Jun 18, 2016

Any club wanting to sign Paul Pogba this summer will have to pay a world-record fee of €160 million, according to Marca.

The France international has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona, though Real Madrid have emerged as the frontrunners to prise him away from Juventus in recent weeks.

But the Bianconeri are reluctant to sell one of their prized assets and have placed the huge price tag on Pogba in a bid to ward off interest.

[Socrates 8295]

If somebody wants to sign Paul Pogba,

they will reportedly have to pay €160 million

 

Something tells me that's a good amount of money. 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/6/18/11968254/paul-pogba-

juventus-real-madrid-2016-serie-a-la-liga-summer-transfer-rumors

Jun 18, 2016

When it comes to Paul Pogba transfer rumors, I don't really know what to believe anymore. Maybe I've grown immune to them since they've been a constant in our lives for well over a transfer window or two now. Maybe it's because, up to this point, the fact that Beppe Marotta has stayed true to his word and not sold Pogba for a huge chunk of change remains constant.

But that doesn't defeat the fact that Pogba rumors are going to be happening around us for however long the 23-year-old Frenchman stays around Juventus.

If a club like, say, Real Madrid wants to make a serious attempt to sign Pogba this summer, then Juventus is going to battle that approach the best way it can think of — jacking up his potential transfer fee higher than we've ever seen. According  to the Gazzetta dello Sport, that price is now upwards of €160 million if anybody even wants to think about signing Pogba in the next month or two.

Real Madrid will be required to smash the world transfer record if they want to sign long-term target Paul Pogba, as Juventus have slapped a price tag of €160 million on his head.

The 23-year-old is at the top of Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane's transfer wish list, and the Blancos coach considers his countryman to be the missing piece for his midfield.

ONE-HUNDRED SIXTY MILLION EUROS, MAN.

Who knows if there is even a team out there — Real Madrid, Paris Saint-German, Manchester City, etc. etc. — that would remotely consider paying €160 million for a single player this summer. But, if this figure is even close to being accurate, it's safe to say that Juventus know that they've got all the power in the situation and will take advantage of it.

So much for that €100 million price tag we heard so much about a year so ago. Onward and upward — both for Juventus as a team and for the potential price that Juventus are thinking of slapping on Pogba should somebody try and sign him. Good times, good times.

[Socrates 8295]

POGBA MAKES ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

AS FRANCE GET THE JOB DONE

The Juventus midfielder has struggled to meet expectations so far in his own backyard,

but there were signs against Switzerland that he is ready to lead Les Bleus . 

 

http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/pogba-makes-all-the-right-

moves-as-france-get-the-job-done/2lta0qm6yus712fzip5ky7uxo?

Jun 19, 2016

It wasn't the fun that Hugo Lloris expected, but France have got the job done: seven points, Group A winners, and the Euro 2016 knockouts await.

Arguably more important, however, was Paul Pogba's showing against Switzerland. Sometimes sparkling and always committed, this is the man France have been waiting for.

Pogba was always going to be in the spotlight during this month, but the scrutiny on this youngster – it is easy to forget that he is only 23 – has been difficult to bear.

Dropped from the starting XI against Albania after a poor showing on the opening night, his gesture towards the press area at the end of that game sparked more debate over whether the Juventus star could carry the weight of a nation on his ample shoulders.

"We expect a great deal from Pogba," World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry, himself no stranger to the barbs of the French press, told L'Equipe this week.

"There's a great deal of emotion, with a public and journalists who are more and more rapid with their judgements. I think Paul's put under too much pressure."

Crucially, after an apology, Pogba got the public backing from his boss. "He has explained himself and I believe in his honesty," Didier Deschamps said. He'd served his time on the naughty step. France wanted their star back.

Lille was treated to a midfield masterclass by Marek Hamsik last Wednesday; Pogba had eyes on the same accolades. He harried, chased, trampled, tricked and blasted his way through the game. There was little control, but it was captivating from first to last.

 

 

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Having almost prodded the ball into his own net from a corner, he launched an all-out personal assault on Yann Sommer's goal. One range-finder was spilled onto the top of the crossbar; another rattled the woodwork with the Switzerland goalkeeper motionless. He was perhaps still recovering from a full-stretch dive to parry a Pogba piledriver from close range. 

Granit Xhaka, a candidate for the best midfielder in the tournament, had his shirt torn to shreds as Pogba scrapped for control of the centre circle. He held off four Swiss players at once as he started a move that saw Antoine Griezmann force Sommer into action again. The homecoming of Lille OSC graduate Yohan Cabaye, or Lloris' record-equalling 54th game as captain, threatened to become footnotes even as the match entered a rather listless final half-hour, with Albania doing Switzerland a favour over in Saint-Etienne.

Deschamps still has concerns to address. Switzerland coped far better with the poor surface, and France still cannot get their wide players - Griezmann and Kingsley Coman here - involved in play for long enough. Italy, Spain and Germany will get no sleepless nights from watching this performance.

But Pogba's waking up - and that's what France want to hear. Their tournament starts now. So does his.

[Socrates 8295]

France need 'heart and soul'

Paul Pogba at top level - Didier Deschamps

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/france/story/2897915/france-need-paul-pogba-at-top-level-didier-deschamps

Jun 20, 2016

France boss Didier Deschamps has called Paul Pogba the "heart and soul" of his team's Euro 2016 first-half performance against Switzerland and said he needs the Juventus star at top level as the competition progresses.

The 23-year-old Pogba was omnipresent in the opening half of Le Bleus' 0-0 draw against the Swiss, but saw his influence wane after the break.

Speaking after the match, Dechamps, whose side qualified as Group A leaders with the result, said: "Paul was the life-force of the first half, the heart and soul.

"He didn't get forward as much in the second half but he has huge potential and I have a lot of confidence in him. We had three games in nine days, which is why I put in some fresh legs. But we need Paul Pogba at a top level.

"This [result] suited us to get top spot but we had four chances, had we been more clinical we'd have scored. They were better on the ball at times but didn't threaten much. Clearly there are things to improve upon but I've seen almost every match and apart form two or three all sides have had tricky games.

"You can always criticise people, the players are aware we can improve in a number of areas. When the goalkeeper is man of the match it shows we had chances. We kept a clean sheet, which is good, but this was a crucial match to finish top so I decided not to change the back six because they play like clockwork.

"There are expectations and those are significant. This is not a friendly match, it felt a lot more important than a third group game as soon as we left the hotel. We need to be able to let go more in matches, even though we didn't have to push too much tonight."

Paul Pogba was a towering figure in the first half against Switzerland.

Deschamps surpised many with the inclusion of Moussa Sissoko and Yohan Cabaye in midfield against Switzerland. The duo played well in place of N'Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi, providing Pogba ample support in the centre of the pitch.

"I started him tonight -- I didn't say 'here's a gift, go and play,'" Deschamps said of Sissoko. "I know what he's capable of, he always does it for us.

"He contributed a lot, he was excellent at the World Cup, too. Yohan Cabaye also played a good game, which is good. I've got some other players who haven't played who are no doubt disappointed. But once I stressed that the match is crucial, I rotated a little bit but tried to make sure the team was at the same level."

[Socrates 8295]

Raiola: 'Pogba initial Real Madrid talks'

http://www.football-italia.net/86107/raiola-pogba-initial-real-madrid-talks

Jun 20, 2016

Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola told Marca that Juventus are “in the initial phase” of negotiations with Real Madrid.

The front page of Monday’s edition has an exclusive interview with the representative, who is stirring up more transfer speculation.

“We are in the initial phase of negotiations,” declared Raiola.

“Pogba admires Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will be very important when making his decision.”

There has been debate about the potential price-tag for Pogba rising from €100m to €120m or even €140m.

“Paul is worth what a club is prepared to pay for him.”

[Socrates 8295]

Raiola: 'Pogba? Nothing decided'

http://www.football-italia.net/86113/raiola-pogba-nothing-decided

Jun 20, 2016

Paul Pogba's agent admits he is negotiating with Real Madrid, but says 'nothing is decided' for the Juventus star.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Serie A this summer will be whether the French midfielder remains with the Old Lady or heads off to another European club.

Mino Raiola's words caused a clamour yesterday when Marca's front-coverreported that a sale to Real Madrid was underway, but the full content of the interview reveals a more cautious approach to the subject matter.

“We're hoping that Paul can be football's superstar for the next ten years,” Raiola told Marca. “Last year Juventus had reached terms with four different clubs for a transfer, but Paul didn't want to go.

“We have a technical project on our minds. We're all very calm. What matters most is the project of the team, that's more important than the money.

“He's happy at Juve. We're in talks with two-three teams whose sporting project we appreciate, but for the moment he must keep his cool and think of the Euros.

“Every summer I speak with Real, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Real had a clear and professional relationship with me over the past two years.

“We know that Real want him but nothing has been decided yet. We are in the initial phase of the negotiations and what's important is the desire of Zidane and of the club.”

Tony Kroos' brother recently said that the German was worth more than Pogba.

“Pogba is worth what can and should be paid, and what the market offers. Let's not ask Kroos' brother about that. If I were handling Real, I'd sell Kroos and build a new team. It's not a problem of money, there are more important factors at play. You can spend all the money in the world, but if your project doesn't work...”

[Socrates 8295]

'Pogba wants Ballon D'Or'

http://www.football-italia.net/86114/pogba-wants-ballon-dor?

Jun 20, 2016

Paul Pogba's agent says 'Juventus don't want to sell him' to Real Madrid, but the player's objective is 'not money, but the Ballon D'Or'.

The intense speculation surrounding a possible transfer of the 23-year-old to the Merengues is not relenting, even at a time when most attention is being magnetised by Euro 2016.

“They don't want to sell him, they're a great club and they always have been,” his agent Mino Raiola told Marca. “When we signed for them we discussed the fact that, should a serious project present itself, Juve will have a reasonable chat with the club.

“He could have been the most expensive signing ever, if Juventus accepted last year's offer. But that's not Pogba's objective, nor is it mine.

“He wants a project, and the future in any case remains in his hands. When he came to Juve things weren't easy, because young players get little time on the pitch in Italy and Coaches don't know how to handle them. When he arrived he was 18, now he is 23.”

Raiola was asked whether he'd be pushing the player in any direction.

“I'll give him my opinion. I just want him to be happy, that's the most important thing in a player's career. It's easy to sell a player once, it's hard to sell them twice. I'm only concerned with the project.

“Pogba can play in any position. He hasn't scored very many goals because Italian football is defensive, but he notched 10-12 assists. He moves a lot and runs 10-13km per game. He can certainly play in a more attacking role, few people can play in the spaces between the midfield and the attack the way he does.

“He dreams of the Ballon D'Or, that's clear. Real Madrid would certainly be the right environment to win it, you can't argue with the club's history.

“For Paul, [Coach Zinedine] Zidane and Real Madrid have always been something special. He admires them. There have been other clubs, like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain where he has a home, Barcelona, but Real...

“He's always admired Zidane and he told me as much. That's going to factor into his decision.

“Future stars? [Milan's Gianluigi] Donnarumma. I also have three great youngsters in Holland, and one at Juve.”

[Socrates 8295]

 

Real Madrid Transfer News: Paul Pogba Agent

Negotiations Begin, Latest Rumours

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2647306-real-madrid-transfer

-news-paul-pogba-agent-negotiations-begin-latest-rumours?

Jun 20, 2016

Real Madrid have entered into negotiations over the purchase of Juventus' Paul Pogba, according to the player’s agent, Mino Raiola.

The France international is one of the game’s brightest prospects, having blossomed into a wonderful midfielder during his time in Italy. Raiola, speaking with Marca (h/t Oliver Todd of the MailOnline) has stated that Los Blancos are keen on Pogba and a move to the Spanish capital would appeal to the player.

“We are in the initial phase of negotiations,” said Raiola. “Pogba admires Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will be very important when making his decision.”

When asked about how much Real would have to pay in order to sign the 23-year-old, Raiola responded: “Paul is worth what a club is prepared to pay for him.”

According to Todd, Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and Chelsea are also interested in the Juventus man, who is said to be valued around the £90 million mark.

Pogba has been key to the Bianconeri’s recent domestic dominance with some tremendous midfield displays. Here are some of the best moments from the 2015-16 Serie A season:

 

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When it comes to a Real Madrid marquee signing Pogba ticks a lot of boxes. He’s young, dynamic and supremely skilful with the ball; his ability to surge forward would also make the Frenchman an ideal stylistic fit. Additionally, he’s extremely recognisable and as such, would be very marketable for Los Blancos.

As these numbers from Squawka Football show, after a difficult beginning to the 2016 UEFA European Championship, Pogba is beginning to show what he can do on the big stage too:

 

 

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Paul Pogba's game by numbers:

46 passes
4 shots
3 chances created
3 tackles won
2 interceptions

Much improved

11:16 PM - 19 Jun 2016

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Is Pogba worth £90 million?

Yes, he's a brilliant player and will become a superstar.No, he still has a lot to learn.SUBMIT VOTE vote to see results

 

While he’s not been at his absolute best lately for the national side, the midfielder has shown he can handle responsibility. For the Italian champions he became the heartbeat of the team last season, shining in the iconic No. 10 jersey and pulling Juve through tight matches.

It’s that kind of mental strength, coupled with his extraordinary ability, that suggests he could be a huge hit at the Santiago Bernabeu. But a transfer of this significance will be complicated and as such, this one is likely to run and run throughout the summer.

 

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'No answer for critics'

http://www.football-italia.net/86119/pogba-no-answer-critics

Jun 20, 2016

Paul Pogba has 'no answer for critics' after France qualified for Euro 2016's Round of 16.

The Juventus midfielder was expected to be the star of Les Bleues this summer, but he was benched after the first game and only came back in style yesterday evening against Switzerland.

“I play football, I play for the team,” he said after the game. “It will be talked about, good or bad.

“We had opportunities to win but in the end, we take a point. We are happy to be first.

“The adventure goes on. Early in the game, I started high up on the field, we were fine. Then they had more space, and suddenly I was forced to stay back.”

Pogba has been the object of some criticism for his performances with the national team, but he dismissed that type of talk.

“I have no answer to give to anyone.”

[Socrates 8295]

Raiola says Real are 'in the preliminary

phase of negotiations' for Pogba

 

hhttp://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/6/20/11975402/paul-pogba

-juventus-real-madrid-transfer-rumors-mino-raiola-interview

Jun 20, 2016

With what is almost assuredly many more weeks of Paul Pogba transfer rumors — it is an unwritten rule for every single day of our lives, after all — the French midfielder's agent, Mino Raiola as essentially added a massive can of gasoline to the already red-hot fire.

Agent Talk can be a dangerous, dangerous thing. And this one is certainly falling into that category. From Mino's own mouth, via Monday's edition of MARCA:

"We are in the initial phase of negotiations. Pogba admires Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane and that will be very important when making his decision."

(Source: Football Italia)

Here's more of the interview, which provides a little more context than the initial words that caused a whooooole lot of knee-jerk reactions.

"We're hoping that Paul can be football's superstar for the next ten years," Raiola told Marca. "Last year Juventus had reached terms with four different clubs for a transfer, but Paul didn't want to go.

"We have a technical project on our minds. We're all very calm. What matters most is the project of the team, that's more important than the money.

"He's happy at Juve. We're in talks with two-three teams whose sporting project we appreciate, but for the moment he must keep his cool and think of the Euros.

"Every summer I speak with Real, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Real had a clear and professional relationship with me over the past two years.

"We know that Real want him but nothing has been decided yet. We are in the initial phase of the negotiations and what's important is the desire of Zidane and of the club."

(Source: Football Italia)

There are a couple ways to read this little situation we have here.

On one end, we can collectively freak out because Raiola is openly admitting he's talking to Real Madrid about Pogba leaving Juventus. You can just read the "we're in the preliminary phase of negotiations" and assume that's that and then move on with our lives. Raiola has said Real's interest in signing Pogba is "no secret," which isn't that much of a surprise considering who the interested party is. They want the big signing —especially in the summer after winning the Champions League once again. And there would be no bigger signing this summer than landing Pogba for what will almost certainly be a world-record transfer fee.

But, on the other hand, we can look at it the same way we've looked at just about every Pogba-related piece of transfer gossip and/or rumor and/or chatter from an agent or team rep — Juventus will sell the player if he shows a desire to leave. That's been the stance of Beppe Marotta from essentially the first time he's had to comment on these rumors of Pogba leaving Juventus.

People will look at the fact that Pogba is "we're in the preliminary phase of negotiations" part and blow right over that Raiola also says that the player is perfectly happy in Turin right now. If he's happy, then you would like to think the desire to leave wouldn't be as great as it might be in a different kind of situation.

So, I guess we see where these negotiations go and hope for the best. That would be Pogba staying, of course, but you probably figured that part out already.

[Socrates 8295]

Juve plan Pogba replacements

http://www.football-italia.net/86149/juve-plan-pogba-replacements

Jun 21, 2016

Should Juventus sell Paul Pogba to Real Madrid, they will buy Valencia's Andre Gomes, Palmeira's Gabriel Jesus and Sevilla's Grzegorz Krychowiak, say reports.

Italian newspapers today are dominated by stories of the Frenchman's possible departure to the Merengues, stoked by an interview by the player's agent Mino Raiola to Spanish newspaper Marca.

While it isn't completely certain yet that the transfer will happen, the Bianconeri are beginning to move on some of the targets that may replace their star midfielder.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club's sporting director Beppe Marotta was spotted with Sevilla director Jesus Garcia Pitarch. The newspaper believes that an offer of €40m has been presented for Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes, which is still considered not quite sufficient.

Juventus are trying to reach €50m by the inclusion of bonuses, a sum which would not be a problem if they could count on the revenue from Pogba.

Juventus' agents have also been probing for Krychowiak from Sevilla, a club who have a cross-interest in Serie A as they are believed to be after Bologna's Amadou Diawara. In this case the problem is that Juventus would have to beat Paris Saint-Germain, who are particularly keen on signing the Polish midfielder.

Finally, the Bianconeri are being tempted by the prospect of signing 19-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Jesus, from Palmeiras, who is being dubbed by some 'the new Neymar'. According to the Gazzetta, Marotta would be happy to spend the €40m required to sign him in case of a sale of Pogba.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba leaves Turin home

http://www.football-italia.net/86150/pogba-leaves-turin-home

Jun 21, 2016

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has terminated the rent contract for his house in Turin, suggesting he may leave for Real Madrid.

Speculation continues on whether the 23-year-old will remain with the Bianconeri or depart for the Merengues, with the player's agent Mino Raiola suggesting that negotiations are currently 'in the initial phase'.

The Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Pogba has already decided not to renew the rent contract for his house in Turin.

Naturally some believe this is evidence that the player will leave his club this summer, while others point out that he already did the same thing last summer and ended up staying in the same house.

Apparently this time Raiola, who is in contact with Juventus youth Coach and home-owner Ciccio Grabbi, gave the green light to find other occupants. The flat has reportedly been proposed to new signing Miralem Pjanic.