Paul Pogba Reportedly Told Manchester United He Is 'Desperate' to Join Barcelona

Paul Pogba has reportedly told the rest of the Manchester United squad he is "desperate" to move to Barcelona this summer.

According to the Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler, Pogba has not only informed his team-mates and United's backroom staff that he wants to leave in the last 48 hours, he has also told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward via text message. 

The Red Devils are said to have firmly denied this and are adamant the Frenchman will not be sold this summer.

Pogba is believed to have agreed terms with Barca on a five-year deal that would see him earn £89.5 million in basic wages alone, which is almost double what he receives in salary at Old Trafford.

His agent Mino Raiola would not be drawn on the speculation over the midfielder's future, though. "I will never make declarations about Paul. You have to speak to Manchester United," he said on Tuesday.

It's said Pogba does not enjoy playing under manager Jose Mourinho, with the pair's relationship growing increasingly fractious over the course of last season.

Jack Otway of the Express summarised a difficult situation for United:

Football writers Tom McDermott and Dean Jones believe Barcelona could try to sign him in the future:

Indeed, despite Pogba's reported desire to leave Old Trafford this summer, it's difficult to fathom a scenario in which United let arguably their most valuable asset leave when they have little time to find a replacement.

The Red Devils have until 5 p.m. BST on Thursday to complete their purchases for the summer.

While they could still sell Pogba to Barcelona after that deadline, as the transfer window in Spain runs until the end of the month, it's likely they'll only part with players that are surplus to requirements.

United have recruited Fred this summer after losing Michael Carrick to retirement, so in terms of sheer numbers, selling Pogba would leave them light on options ahead of a busy season.

More importantly, unless a replacement of similar calibre can be brought in, the quality of their squad and their hopes of providing serious competition for their rivals would take a significant hit should Pogba be allowed to leave.