Barcelona Transfer News: Paul Pogba Responds to Neymar and Blaugrana Rumours

Paul Pogba has responded to rumours linking him with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona by declaring he is “happy to stay at Juventus,” per La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia).

The talented 23-year-old midfielder is understood to be a long-term transfer target of the Spanish outfit and is regarded as one of the most exciting players in world football.

Since his move to Turin from Manchester United in 2012, the France international has helped Massimiliano Allegri’s men lift three consecutive league titles and turn the Bianconeri into the dominant force in Italian football.

Rumours of an impending move were heightened after comments from Barca icon Neymar. Per La Liga's official website (via the Daily Mail’s Simeon Gholam), the Brazil striker stated Pogba would suit the style of play offered at the Camp Nou. 

"He is young, and I like how he plays," Neymar reportedly said. "I would love to swap shirts with him, and I think he would fit well at Barcelona."

However, after scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 win over AC Milan on Saturday, the playmaker has now responded to those comments. Despite acknowledging Neymar’s compliments, Pogba was clear to point out he remains fully focused on aiding his current club.

“It's nice that such a great player shows appreciation for me,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Everyone wants to play with the champions, but I'm happy to stay at Juventus and I'm focused on the title. I have no transfer temptations, the Scudetto is the only thing in my head.”

The creative talent has entered a purple patch in form in recent weeks, as noted by WhoScored:

Pogba—who has scored seven goals in 30 league appearances this term, per Soccerway—is expected to play a starring role for Didier Deschamps’ side at the upcoming European Championship this summer in his homeland.

Blessed with wonderful balance, strength and technique, the former United recruit was given limited exposure during his short spell under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. But following his arrival in Serie A, Pogba has starred with consistent high-quality performances and breathtaking long-range strikes on a regular basis.

At 31 years old, Barca’s Andres Iniesta is entering the twilight years of his glittering playing career, and the Champions League titleholders are eager to ensure their extraordinary standards are unaffected when he eventually retires by recruiting ahead of time.

Per Goal, Pogba has taken inspiration from the Barca star in order to take on further responsibility in the Juve midfield, saying in January: “Before I had Pirlo by my side and one of our opponents was always marking him. Now they put the same marker on me. I have to find the right moment to make the pass. I must learn, and for that I watch Iniesta."

For the time being, Pogba will continue his pursuit of a fourth successive Scudetto title with the Old Lady, but Barca’s interest is unlikely to diminish any time soon. The Frenchman could yet still take over for Iniesta in the Barca midfield, but not before he has accomplished his goals in Italy.