Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu remained coy when asked about a potential bid to sign Paul Pogba in the January transfer window.
While Barca held an interest in Pogba for much of the summer, United were determined to keep hold of the 25-year-old after his heroics for France at the 2018 World Cup.
However, the relationship between Pogba and Jose Mourinho has broken down significantly in recent weeks and United are now considering cashing in on the Frenchman.
More: Football
Its understood United turned down Barcelonas offer of Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes plus €50m (£44m) for Pogba in the summer and Bartomeu refused to rule out another move for the midfielder this winter.
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I read these rumours — not just Pogba but a lot of players, Bartomeu told The Times when asked about the possibility of a bid for Pogba in January.
Most of the teams dont want to sell their players. They want to grow. The business is no longer to sell players and earn money.
In football you have to win, to generate funds, be successful. Also I dont like to speak about other teams players.
Bartomeu hinted that he contacted United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward over Barcas interest in Pogba ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Asked if an offer had been tabled for the France international in the summer, he responded: Im not talking about Pogba, Im talking generally.
More: Football
When you hear from agents that a certain player is on the market — and Im not saying that about this player, but generally — I will sometimes call the CEO of that club and say, “Is it true that you want to sell this player?”
If they say yes, I can pass that message to our technical people. Usually they say, “No way, not for sale” and thats the end of the matter.
MORE: Chelsea star not looking to make Valencia loan switch a permanent transfer
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Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu remained coy when asked about a potential bid to sign Paul Pogba in the January transfer window.
While Barca held an interest in Pogba for much of the summer, United were determined to keep hold of the 25-year-old after his heroics for France at the 2018 World Cup.
However, the relationship between Pogba and Jose Mourinho has broken down significantly in recent weeks and United are now considering cashing in on the Frenchman.
More: Football
Its understood United turned down Barcelonas offer of Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes plus €50m (£44m) for Pogba in the summer and Bartomeu refused to rule out another move for the midfielder this winter.
Advertisement Advertisement
I read these rumours — not just Pogba but a lot of players, Bartomeu told The Times when asked about the possibility of a bid for Pogba in January.
Most of the teams dont want to sell their players. They want to grow. The business is no longer to sell players and earn money.
In football you have to win, to generate funds, be successful. Also I dont like to speak about other teams players.
Bartomeu hinted that he contacted United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward over Barcas interest in Pogba ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Asked if an offer had been tabled for the France international in the summer, he responded: Im not talking about Pogba, Im talking generally.
More: Football
When you hear from agents that a certain player is on the market — and Im not saying that about this player, but generally — I will sometimes call the CEO of that club and say, “Is it true that you want to sell this player?”
If they say yes, I can pass that message to our technical people. Usually they say, “No way, not for sale” and thats the end of the matter.
MORE: Chelsea star not looking to make Valencia loan switch a permanent transfer
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