With the summer transfer window approaching we can expect countless rumors regarding some of the top clubs in the world. The latest involves Barcelona, which is interested in a Juventus midfielder.
According Juventus director Pavel Nedved, the top Spanish club wants to sign Paul Pogba. However, FIFA slapped a transfer ban on Barcelona until 2016 because the club was found "breaching rules regarding the signing of international players under the age of 18," writes Ben Burrows of Mirror Online.
Nonetheless, that hasn't stopped them from monitoring the 22-year-old Frenchman, who has emerged as one of the world's most sought-after young talents ever since he signed with Juventus after a short stint with Manchester United. In 22 games with Juventus in Serie A this year, Pogba has seven goals and two assists all the while providing an intimidating presence for the Italian club.
As a result, outside interest is not limited to Barcelona.
"It would be fair to say that most, if not all, of Europe's biggest sides are chasing the signature of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba," according to ESPNFC. "Most recently, Real Madrid's name has been tied to the Frenchman's, but Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain -- and, no doubt, countless more clubs -- also have been rumoured to be chasing the 22-year-old."
Despite the flurry of inquiries, Nedved said, "We know that Barca and other big clubs want him, but he has a contract with us."
The transfer window ban on Barca could indeed be advantageous to them because it doesn't seem like Juventus is jumping at the opportunity to sell Pogba right away. They currently sit in first place in Italy's Serie A with 67 points, ahead of second-place Roma (53) and third place Lazio (52), and are destined for another bid to next year's Champions League.
It's very possible Nedved holds onto Pogba for next season after gauging offers for the midfielder during the upcoming transfer window. Then Barcelona may have the opportunity to strike during the January transfer window or next summer's transfer window.
It'll be more telling once July 1 rolls around.
