Barcelona Transfer News: Paul Pogba Rumours Can Soften Xavi Exit

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique may be trying to play down rumours of interest in Juventus midfield linchpin Paul Pogba, but Barca will need the France international to soften the blow of losing ageing talisman Xavi Hernandez.

Pogba is thought to be the subject of a summer bid worth £144 million from Barca. Catalan newspaper Sport (h/t David Hughes of The Independent) has claimed a mega-money deal for Pogba will be the foundation of a presidential run by Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The same report claims initial negotiations have already taken place involving Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola. Of course, simply fuelling the rumour with such claims won't do Bartomeu's prospects any harm.

A strong link to Pogba is good news for any top European club. He's that well thought of thanks to his unique blend of physicality and technical quality.

Pogba is certainly accomplished enough on the ball to flourish in Barca's stylish, possession-based game, but he also offers drive and strength the club has lacked in the middle for some time.

However, Enrique remains determined to avoid the speculation, according to Goal writer Alec Fenn: "Pogba rumours? I'm not talking about speculation, I can't control that. I'm focused on football now."

Yet despite Enrique's dismissive words, any move for a new quality midfielder makes sense for Barca with Xavi inching closer to the exit door. The illustrious pass-master is apparently ready to call time on his Camp Nou career as early as this summer, per Marca reporter Luis F. Rojo.

He contends 35-year-old Xavi will seek a move to Qatar. The player has already been presented with an eye-popping deal that would pay him up to "€6 million net per season."

But Rojo also offered America's MLS as a possibility for this true club legend. That's the more likely destination, according to B/R insider Guillem Balague:

Xavi may not be the force he once was, but his loss would still be felt in Barcelona. Even today, few players in the squad have the veteran's talent for picking a pass and dictating the pace of play.

It's often seemed as if he would never leave the club he's won every major honour with. If you let your inner cynic analyse this rumour, you might be tempted to think there's an element of mischief making.

After all, the report comes from a Madrid-based newspaper closely aligned with Barca's bitter rival Real Madrid. Another Marca report has even been kind enough to list every reason why Xavi is no longer happy at the Camp Nou. It emphasised his apparent dislike of Enrique's style of play and squad rotation policies.

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Whatever the motivation behind the latest rumours, there's no doubt Barca have to start planning for life without Xavi sooner rather than later. As contingencies go, Pogba's the best of the lot.

A huge deal would likely be needed given that the club won't be able to register any new signings before January 2016. Pogba, however, would certainly be worth the wait.