Gerard Pique Wants Paul Pogba and 'The Best Players to Be at Barcelona'

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said he wants "the best players to be at Barcelona" amid speculation linking Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba with a move to the Camp Nou.

The World Cup winner is a top target for Barcelona, and Pique has said he would be happy if the Frenchman swapped the Premier League for La Liga, according to Jack Wilson at the Daily Express:

"I know very little about what's happening there [with Pogba and United manager Jose Mourinho]. It's very private between them, their relationship. What I know is Pogba is a great player and he plays for Manchester United right now. We will see in the future if he wants to change clubs.

"We will be happy to have him here, obviously. We want the best players to be at Barcelona. But we respect Manchester United because it's his club. Until he says something or the club says something, he's a Manchester United player."

Pogba wants to leave Manchester United and move to Barcelona, according to Chris Wheeler at the Daily Mail. It's said his agent Mino Raiola has already agreed personal terms for his client "worth £89.5 million over five years." 

However, Manchester United do not want to sell the France international. Earlier in August, Miguel Delaney at The Independent said Barcelona will not drop their interest in the midfielder and will continue their efforts to land him.

Pogba appears unsettled at Manchester United after being dropped on several occasions last season by Mourinho. 

The Portuguese handed Pogba the captain's armband for the Red Devils' opening game of the season, and the midfielder responded by scoring a penalty in a 2-1 victory.

Pogba also captained the side in their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The midfielder said after the game his attitude was not good enough, per Sky Sports Premier League:

Mourinho was not willing to answer questions on Pogba's comments, per ESPN FC:

There's a growing sense of frustration around Old Trafford that Mourinho is unable to get the best out of his players despite having an abundance of attacking talent in the squad. 

Sky Sports Premier League highlighted their problems:

Pogba showed just how influential he can be during the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France as he helped Les Bleus clinch the title. He was a dominant presence in midfield, produced killer passes and scored in the final win over Croatia.

He has been unable to reproduce that form on a consistent basis for Manchester United under Mourinho. A move to Barcelona, a team known for their passing and style, may tempt the Frenchman. 

The transfer window in Spain remains open until Friday, although there does not appear enough time left to complete a deal. However, if Pogba continues to be unsettled at Manchester United, it would be little surprise if Barcelona did make a move in 2019.