Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique Reportedly Want Paul Pogba, Barcelona Scouts Unsure

Paul Pogba is reportedly a wanted man among some of Barcelona's most influential players, including Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, but club scouts remain "split" on the France international. 

According to the Daily Mail's Adam Crafton, international team-mates Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele also want the Spanish champions to sign the Manchester United man, and manager Ernesto Valverde is on their side. Some scouts fear he may not be a great tactical fit, however.

Per the report, the Barcelona players have believed they need "greater brawn" since the UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of AS Roma last season, and Pogba could be the solution.

Crafton also touched on the financial difficulties surrounding any potential deal, as Barcelona barely turned a profit this season and seem unable to meet the financial demands of United and the 25-year-old.

The Telegraph's Sam Wallace previously studied the numbers, which don't look good:

The central midfielder has been at odds with manager Jose Mourinho this season, and his inconsistent form has been one of the reasons behind the Red Devils' struggles.

He carried that sloppy form into the international break, falling short of expectations for Les Bleus:

A fresh start somewhere else seem like a possibility, though it's easier said than done. As United's most high-profile and marketable player, a split would not be a good look for the club, and the Red Devils will want to turn a profit on the midfield general.

The club would likely prefer to keep him, and there is still hope the relationship with Mourinho can be mended. Per the Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst, Mourinho does not blame the Frenchman for the pair's issues:

The two could use a couple of strong showings in the coming weeks, starting with the difficult matches against Chelsea and Juventus.

A good run of form between now and January would likely silence the transfer speculation a bit, but if things continue like this, a midseason switch might even be a possibility―if Barcelona can get their finances in order.