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Five possible destinations for Paul Pogba

Sports Mole picks out five possible destinations for in-demand Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, should he leave Turin this summer.

Arguably the hottest property on the market this summer is Juventus ace Paul Pogba, who has been linked with an array of European football's big-name clubs.

The France international boasts all the qualities expected of a £70m-rated midfielder, having the ability to dominate in the centre of the field, burst from box to box or play a support role further up the pitch if required.

Only a handful of clubs can realistically afford to splash the cash to land the 22-year-old, but which side would continue to get the best out of him should he move on before the window closes?


1. Barcelona

Despite their ongoing transfer ban, Barcelona remain the favourites to sign Pogba this summer after repeatedly declaring their interest in the star midfielder. On the back of an impressive treble-winning campaign last time out, it could conceivably be argued that the Catalan giants need little improving. However, history tells us that to remain on top teams must continue to strengthen, and there is no player in world football more appealing to Barca right now than the Frenchman.

Juventus' midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Juventus' French midfielder Paul Pogba reacts after the UEFA Champions League Final football match between Juventus and FC Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on June 6, 2015© Getty Images

The signing of Ivan Rakitic last summer raised a few eyebrows - not because of the player's quality but more so because Barcelona are expected to recruit only the biggest names from across the globe. Rakitic settled well at Camp Nou, however, featuring more than 50 times for his side in what was a historic campaign.

It remains to be seen whether Pogba would replace the Croatian international in the starting lineup or indeed start alongside him, but as Neymar suggested earlier this year, there would be no better way to fill the void left by outgoing club legend Xavi than bringing in a marquee signing of the former Manchester United product's ilk.


2. Real Madrid

Only Real Madrid can truly match Barcelona for heavyweight billing across the globe, and they have a real ace up their sleeve - Zinedine Zidane. It is all too easy to make the comparison between the two players due to their nationality, but Pogba has admitted in the past that he aims to base his own game on that of his compatriot's.

French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus andCagliari on May 9, 2015© Getty Images

Like Zidane, Pogba has made an impressive early breakthrough in his career and could swap Turin for Madrid in a high-profile move. Speculation linking the central midfielder with a switch to the Bernabeu went into overdrive last month when Los Blancos' reserve team boss declared that the 10-time European Cup winners were indeed interested.

"He is a complete player who also has the ability to score goals because he likes to get forward," Zidane said in an interview with French radio station RTL. "In terms of footballing qualities, he is extraordinary." Pogba, it could be argued, would suit Madrid more than rivals Barcelona due to their style of play, which could play a huge part in deciding where exactly he ends up should an official bid be made.


3. Manchester City

Soon after it was announced that Financial Fair Play restrictions imposed on City had been lifted, reports surfaced suggesting that Manuel Pellegrini will be handed £100m this summer in a bid to propel a charge for silverware both at home and in Europe next term.

Juventus' French midfielder Labile Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus Vs Chievo Verona on January 25, 2015© Getty Images

The Citizens boast a real world-class talent in the shape of Sergio Aguero up top, yet they still lack that quality presence in midfield to build their game on. Spanish magician David Silva acts as the architect in every attacking move for City, but alongside him Yaya Toure's qualities are dwindling.

Having surprised many by remaining in place at the Etihad Stadium, Toure will once more be expected to play a key role for his side in the coming campaign. It is Pogba, more than fellow rumoured targets Raheem Sterling or Jack Wilshere, who will truly make Pellegrini's charges a force on the European stage, however, providing them with that technical ability and raw power in the middle that the Ivorian may no longer be able to offer.


4. Chelsea

Jose Mourinho is on the prowl for more talent during the transfer window to make his Chelsea side even stronger in 2015-16, with Pogba thought to be on the top of his transfer wishlist. While Cesc Fabregas's annual decline post-Christmas will not worry the Portuguese all that much, finding another world-class midfielder is surely a priority at this moment in time.

Juventus' French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match SSC Napoli vs Juventus FC on January 11, 2015© Getty Images

Pogba, who boasts the all-round ability to realistically fulfil the roles of Nemanja Matic, Fabregas or the more advanced Oscar, would help take the Blues up another notch in their pursuit of back-to-back Premier League crowns. The Frenchman's best position in the Chelsea fold is very much open to debate, but it is difficult to think of a player who would better improve the English champions right now.

It would, of course, take up the West London outfit's entire budget for the summer if they were to land their man, while it will also be difficult to persuade Pogba to turn down the advances of other European contenders. Juventus's rumoured interest in both Oscar and Willian could help pave the way for a deal, though, in what would be the capture of the summer by some distance.


5. Paris Saint-Germain

For all their high-quality purchases in recent years, PSG still lack a true symbol of the club - a poster boy figure who will guide them to countless trophies through his peak playing years. The Parisians certainly have the money, but do they have the persuasive ability to tempt Pogba into a move back home?

France's midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring the first goal during a Round of 16 football match between France and Nigeria at Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 30, 2014© Getty Images

Recent reports certainly suggest they do, with the 23-cap France international said to be excited about the prospect of propelling his career in Ligue 1. Like Man City, PSG have struggled to truly make an impact on the European stage in recent times, despite spending big in an attempt to make it into the final four of the Champions League and beyond.

What Pogba can offer the Parc des Princes side, on top of his lung-bursting runs and dynamic ability, is the ability to score goals from midfield. Lucas Moura top-scored with seven strikes from that position last season, three fewer than the 10 notched by the star who could potentially be fielded alongside him in the months to come. More than anything else, though, Pogba can be the face of his hometown club - something which no other side can offer.


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