July 02, 2015 17:36:35 UK
Barcelona presidential candidate Juan Laporta has promised the club will attempt to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus if he is elected later this month.
The French international has become one of European footballs most sought after players in the wake of his performances in helping the Turin club to the Champions League final and another Serie A title last season.
Laporta was president at the Catalan club from 2003 until 2010 and he hopes to take over again when the election takes place on 18th July.
There is a player we like very much – Paul Pogba.
Juan Laporta
Despite the transfer ban currently imposed on the Spanish champions, Laporta says Pogba is a player he wants at the Nou Camp and he believes his relationship with agent Mino Raiola can be a decisive factor.
“There is a player we like very much – Paul Pogba,” he said.
“We know the agent of the player – that is key in this operation. We will have to negotiate with the agent and Juve.”
Barcelona, 1.72 to retain La Liga next season, have insisted they will work around the transfer ban that expires in January by signing players in the summer and “bringing them in” next year.
Reports in Spain this week suggest that Barcelona have lodged a bid in excess of £55m with Juventus for Pogba.
Laporta also stated that he will do everything in his power to ensure Lionel Messi remains at the club for the rest of his career.
“I will do my best to keep him at the club until the end of the career. We will do our best to make him comfortable and feel happy. He projects a great image of Barcelona,” Laporta said.
Messi is currently at the Copa America with Argentina, who are 2.10 to defeat hosts Chile in the final on Saturday. Messi is 1.95 to score in the final.
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