Barcelona Transfer News: Paul Pogba Targeted, Latest Dani Alves Rumours

Paul Pogba is on Barcelona’s transfer radar, with reports suggesting that the Liga giants will go all out to land the French sensation in January 2016.

According to Joe Short of the Express, incoming sporting director Ariedo Braida will be tasked with getting the Juventus midfielder to Camp Nou. Barcelona are currently in the midst of a transfer embargo and consequently cannot add to the squad in the upcoming window, meaning they’ll be hoping Pogba sits tight in Turin until their sanction is lifted.

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As noted by sports journalist Rafael Hernandez, with presidential elections looming, the pursuit of Pogba could be the foundation behind a successful campaign for certain candidates:

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Some buzz that the Barcelona board brought Braida to see if he could arrange Pogba to Barcelona for Bartomeu's presidential campaign.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) February 8, 2015"

Here’s a look at why the 21-year-old is rated as one of the world’s very best footballers:

As noted by the aforementioned piece, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all interested in the player, meaning the Blaugrana will have to fight off some stellar competition to land him.

Indeed, according to Bleacher Report Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Los Blancos are fixated on signing Pogba this summer:

The youngster has certainly enhanced his reputation with a string of sensational displays as of late. Not only does he boast the requisite physicality to boss a midfield, he has a poise and intricacy that sets him apart from his peers. Pogba is one of the most multifaceted players in world football, and it’s no surprise so many big clubs are linked with him.

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Barcelona will feel they have the gravitas to lure him to Camp Nou, and as noted here by Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez, the Catalans will be able to track players at the end of the season:

Ultimately, much depends on whether the club can convince Pogba to remain in Turin until January. The Frenchman seems to enjoy playing for the Bianconeri, and his recent performances are certainly indicative of a player who is settled; perhaps a few more months developing his game further at Juventus would be ideal for Pogba before making a switch to Barcelona.

Given the sanction currently imposed on the club, you’d think the Catalans would be desperate to keep hold of as many players as possible. But it's looking increasingly unlikely that Dani Alves will remain a Barcelona player beyond this season, with reports suggesting that the player will be offered a money-spinning deal by Manchester United.

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According to Simon Osborn of Metro, the Red Devils will offer the Brazilian a £100,000-per-week, three-year deal to get him to Old Trafford. The piece claims that despite their lack of quality back-up options and restriction that stops them immediately purchasing a replacement, Barcelona have yet to offer the 31-year-old a new deal with the club.

Here’s a look at what the Blaugrana will miss should Alves leave:

As noted by sports writer SamuelJayC on Twitter, the player’s agent has also revealed that Alves is considering setting off for pastures new:

Alves’ trailblazing forays up and down the right flank have been a patented part of Barcelona’s success down the years. While the Brazilian may not be quite the force he once was, he’s still one of the best right-backs around—somebody Luis Enrique would find extremely difficult to replace should he walk away in the summer.

With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Alves extend his stay with Barcelona eventually. At the moment, Martin Montoya isn’t ready to fill the void that’d be left by the Brazilian’s potential departure, and with reports lingering regarding Montoya's own future, per Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star, Barcelona should be doing their utmost to keep Alves around.