Liverpool Transfer News: Paul Pogba Rumours Are Little More Than Pipe Dreams

Michael Owen recently fuelled the rumours Liverpool might make a play for Juventus star Paul Pogba when the January transfer window opens by suggesting Brendan Rodgers should sign the youngster to replace Steven Gerrard, but the signing of Pogba is little more than a pipe dream for the Reds.

As reported by the Daily Mail's Hamish Mackay, the former England international highlighted Pogba is the ideal replacement for Reds legend Gerrard when asked about which club has the brighter immediate future, between Liverpool and Arsenal:

"

Steven Gerrard's not going to go on forever so the ideal replacement there would probably be someone like Paul Pogba at Juventus. He's an exceptional talent, a young talent that can play in that drive an [sic] central midfield role.

"

The former Liverpool ace made the statement while working as a pundit for BT Sport, as you can see here:

There's no denying Pogba would present a fantastic signing for the Reds, but even the most fanatical Liverpool fan knows Owen was either dreaming out loud or has spent too much time playing FIFA.

One of the world's biggest talents, the 21-year-old Pogba preceded Raheem Sterling as recipient of the Golden Boy award for his fantastic campaign with Italian champions Juventus.

The midfielder is one of the most well-rounded players on the planet, combining pace, athleticism and strength with exceptional vision, technique and scoring ability. His long-range shooting is deadly, and his defensive contributions allow Andrea Pirlo to conduct the Bianconeri attack without having to worry about pressure.

His incredible progression since joining the Italian champions hasn't gone unnoticed, with CNN's Ben Fairthorne highlighting three clubs that have shown a strong interest in his signature:

Fairthorne believes Paris Saint-Germain will eventually lose out to either Chelsea or Real Madrid in the race to sign the France international, but he is one of the few pundits who believes so. Most, like Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson, think Les Parisiens are the favourites:

Their efforts to sign Pogba won't be made any easier by the fact the star just signed a new contract with Juventus, as reported by the Daily Mail's Hamish Mackay. It all but rules out a January move, and with the club not inserting a buyout clause, potential suitors will have to pay big to bring him in.

Now, what do PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid have in common? They're all favourites to win their respective domestic titles and challenge for this year's Champions League trophy.

They're also some of the richest clubs in the world, attracting the very best players money can buy. If and when Pogba becomes available, the type of open auction he'll command on the market will be unheard of for a midfielder.

How are Liverpool supposed to go up against so much financial weight and the promise of consistent silverware? Bleacher Report UK's Andrew Gibney believes nothing whatsoever:

The Reds are bursting with young talent and have a very bright future, but the 2014-15 season represents a rebuild for the team. The current squad isn't ready to challenge for a Champions League spot—at this rate, making the Europa League will be tricky.

For superstar talent like Pogba, Anfield doesn't represent an ideal destination right now. The Frenchman has won two consecutive Italian titles and wants to challenge for the Champions League—he has no interest in moving to a club that currently sits 10th in the Premier League.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik broke down the Reds' transfer needs and realistic targets, singling out Swansea City's Wilfried Bony and Porto's Jackson Martinez, who they believe should be Rodgers' top priority:

In midfield, they suggest one of Arsenal's many creative players, and while such a transfer is unlikely, it makes more sense than a move for Pogba.

As for the finances involved: Liverpool have plenty of financial muscle to fly, but they can't afford to pay the kind of transfer fees Real and PSG routinely put out. If the Reds offer Juventus £40 million, PSG will offer £45 million. That's just how the market works nowadays.

Buying the right contributors and developing their impressive amount of talent is the right way forward for Liverpool right now. Dreaming of a top signing like Pogba is not.

Follow @ReverschPass