Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Paul Pogba and Martin Montoya Rumours

Manchester City are willing to make reported Barcelona transfer target Paul Pogba the most expensive signing in football history, according to the latest rumours from Goal.

The Juventus midfielder will be the subject of transfer rumours throughout the summer, and according to Goal, City are willing to pay upwards of £86 million for his services.

Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently talked about the Citizens' summer plans, via Manchester Evening News' James Robson, making it clear that his team has its eyes set on Pogba:

Barcelona are frequently mentioned as a potential destination for the France international, and Goal believes the 22-year-old still favours a move to the Blaugrana above all else. The club's transfer ban makes a summer move difficult, however, and the Bianconeri are convinced he won't be going anywhere.

Chief executive Beppe Marotta said as much when addressing the latest rumours, via the Daily Star's Jack Wilson: "There has been no official expression of interest in him. And I am convinced Pogba wants to stay with us. I repeat (that) the future project that Juventus have is based on holding on to our best players."

When Juventus announced the signing of former Real Madrid star Sami Khedira, it immediately launched speculation regarding the future of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Pogba, with Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson focusing on the former:

Bleacher Report's Adam Digby doesn't believe his arrival has to mean anything for any of the midfielders, however:

Barcelona got a close look at what Pogba is capable of during the Champions League final, and while the youngster wasn't at his very best, he had to make up for disappointing performances from Vidal and Pirlo. For such a young player, he more than held his own, a testament to his incredible talent.

Barcelona don't have a clear need for another midfielder, but when a talent like Pogba becomes available, you simply can't pass up the opportunity to sign him. Whether he will be available to begin with is another matter.

With Euro 2016 coming up, it makes little sense for Pogba to choose this particular transfer window to leave. Another season in Turin can only help his development and would allow him to prepare for the tournament in a familiar environment. A big showing at Euro 2016 would in turn enhance his value and the wages potential suitors will be willing to pay.

Writing for Bleacher Report, Andy Brassell also believes one more season with the Old Lady would be in his best interest:

Juventus don't have a financial need to sell, although they will find it difficult to turn down an offer north of £86 million. This transfer saga is set to dominate the summer window, and it will be interesting to see which club makes the first official bid.

Liverpool Eye Martin Montoya

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Full-back Martin Montoya is expected to leave the Camp Nou during the summer, and according to the Telegraph (h/t the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson), Liverpool are planning a £7 million bid for the 24-year-old.

Deals for full-backs Dani Alves and Aleix Vidal have all but locked up the right-back position for the Blaugrana, and according to ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan, they make both Montoya and Douglas expendable:

Montoya was expected to feature heavily during the 2014-15 season after Alves started to show his age the season prior, but the Brazil international had an incredible bounce-back season, leading to a new contract.

Meanwhile, Montoya wasted away on the bench, and it quickly became clear he was no longer a part of manager Luis Enrique's plans.

The Spaniard needs a fresh start, and a club like Liverpool could be the perfect destination. Montoya isn't a world-class defender but has more than enough talent to make his mark at Anfield.

Barcelona will hope to cash in on his sale, but at this point in time, it's hard to imagine Montoya moving for a fee over £10 million. This is one situation Enrique will want to resolve as quickly as possible, for all parties involved. Expect a quick and painless transfer.

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