Barcelona step in as Pogba’s future takes new twist

Barcelona are the latest club to have been offered Manchester United’s Paul Pogba on a free transfer next summer, sources told ESPN.

Pogba, 28, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and his agent, Mino Raiola, is sounding out some of Europe’s heavyweights with a view to finding a new club for the midfielder. Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs have also been approached regarding Pogba, who can begin negotiations from Jan. 1.

Pogba has made no decision on his future and has not ruled out extending his stay at United, although he is also going to explore what other options he has available to him. Barca would consider signing the France international on a free transfer as they look to rebuild their squad under new president Joan Laporta.

However, while there would technically be no fee involved, the Catalan club are unsure whether, in their financial position, they would be able to afford the commission Raiola would demand. Barcelona’s gross debt stands at €1.4 billion. There are also doubts about whether Pogba would fit into the club’s new wage structure at a time when some of the team’s biggest earners are being asked to take pay cuts.

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Laporta revealed recently that salaries and amortisation payments still account for around 80% of the predicted revenue of €765m for the season. The league’s economic controls demand that figure is around 70%, although Barca’s is even lower this season as they must make amends for recent losses. — Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens

Move over Pogba: Aurelien Tchouameni is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment. Scouts from Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have all watched the Monaco midfielder in action this season as the race hots up to land one of Europe’s top prospects.

Sources told ESPN a fee between €50m and €60m will be needed in order to bring Monaco to the negotiating table, with Tchouameni on United’s radar if they fail to agree a new deal for Pogba. Chelsea have also registered an interest in the 21-year-old in the past, and the Champions League winners are on good terms with the player’s agent Jonathan Kebe, who also represents Sevilla’s Jules Kounde. Chelsea tried to land Kounde last summer but failed to agree a deal for the centre-back.

Tchouameni, 21, has five caps for France and was outstanding in their Nations League final win over Spain. He also shone on his full international debut last month against Bosnia, and has enjoyed a stellar start to the Ligue 1 season, on the back of an impressive campaign last year.

He has improved a lot under coach Niko Kovac, since moving from Bordeaux to the Principality for €18m in January 2020. Monaco believed they would receive offers last summer but Europe’s heavyweights turned their attentions elsewhere. However, given Tchouameni’s form, the Ligue 1 side are preparing for a wave of bids for their in-demand star. — Julien Laurens