Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Paul Pogba, Philippe Coutinho Rumours

Juventus have conceded they could be helpless to stop Barcelona target Paul Pogba leaving their ranks this summer after admitting the final decision may rest with the player. However, Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho has said he's happy playing in the "best league in the world," per the Liverpool Echo's Paul Philbin.

Juve director Giuseppe Marotta spoke to Italian television show La Domenica Sportiva this week and said while the club's priority is to keep hold of Pogba, his future isn't their decision to make (h/t DiMarzio's David Amoyal):

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We wont sign many players in the summer because we will give our youth a chance to develop. Our intentions are to keep Pogba, like we did last year even if there were multiple offers.

In all cases, the player's will is very important, like with Vidal last year for example. Arturo wanted to go to Bayern since they were offering much more money and we couldn't rival the offer he had received. Gundogan? It is easier to keep Pogba. Even if he wanted a move, I don't think he would choose the Italian league.

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There's no sign as of yet in regards to where Pogba's will is directing him as things stand, but Barcelona will be hard-pressed to challenge for the signature of a player linked with just about all of Europe's giants.

The former Manchester United academy member has been hunted by a selection of the continental elite in recent years, and this is perhaps the most open Marotta has been when discussing Pogba's potential exit.

There's also the factor that some of Pogba's suitors could be seen as playing to a higher standard than Juventus, but after making it to last season's Champions League final, the player has new belief, according to Amoyal:

After a slow start to the campaign alongside his team-mates, the France midfielder is now back nearer to optimum performance and has helped steer the Old Lady back to the Serie A summit.

Three-and-a-half years into his Juventus tenure and Pogba appears open to other options, however. The 22-year-old recently told Sky in Germany of his desire to work under Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, who will take over at Manchester City this summer (h/t Independent's Tom Sheen):

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Guardiola is a coach with a lot of experience, he has a philosophy which is very important and he has a big impact on the team. People respect him. When you see him you want to play and progress. He is an icon of football and I've heard he manages to improve every player he has at his disposal.

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Barcelona have been one of the most prominent outfits tied to the Juventus talisman, and the titans of La Liga may be better-placed to offer the transfer sums and wages needed to facilitate the move.

However, ESPN FC's Liam Twomey envisions a future in La Liga for the prodigious talent, presumably with either Barcelona or Real Madrid acquiring his services in the long run:

Elsewhere, Coutinho has staved off the notion he'll move to Barcelona after referring to the Premier League as the best in the world and assuring fans he's not thinking beyond Merseyside.

Per the Liverpool Echo's Philbin, Coutinho insisted he's enjoying the moment in Liverpool, where he moved in 2013 after watching his form drop at former club Inter:

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I just like to live in the moment. I am not looking ahead. Being here at Liverpool is a dream come true. I am already playing in the best league in the world and I have a number of years left on my contract that I only renewed last year. I am very happy and my focus is on helping Liverpool fight for trophies.

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Philbin mentioned rumours attaching Coutinho to Barcelona, a move that could see the attacking midfielder team up alongside international compatriots Neymar and Dani Alves.

However, Reds fans will be overjoyed to hear their talisman reject talk of a departure for the Camp Nou, hope he's ready to dismiss any transfer distractions and make the most of his time on Merseyside.