Barcelona intensify talks for Juventus’ Pogba

The transfer saga surrounding midfielder Paul Pogba seems to be reaching a climax with Spanish media reporting that Barcelona are set to step up their efforts to acquire the player.

The France International’s supreme form this season has seen him linked with moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City.

However, Catalan sports daily Sport reports that Barcelona have intensified talks with the 22-year-old’s agent, Mino Raiola, for a possible transfer in the summer of 2016.

However, it is suggested that while the transfer ban could leave Juventus inclined to sell Pogba to Barcelona, there could be several obstacles in the way, namely the price tag of the player, which could be upwards of €80 million.

In addition, it is believed Pogba will only settle for a salary which would make him the second highest player at the club behind talisman Lionel Messi, with the club said to be reluctant to heed to the starlet’s wishes.

Nevertheless, the Blaugrana seem to be in the front-seat to sign Pogba after Real Madrid were forced to deny rumours that they had already made an offer for the France International.

“Real Madrid have had no contact either with Juventus or the player’s agent and, as a consequence, the reports published in this newspaper are completely false,” a statement from the club read.

Juventus are currently preparing for their final Serie A outing with an away fixture against Hellas Verona on Saturday, before facing Barcelona in the Champions League in Berlin on June 6.