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Lionel Messi pushing for Paul Pogba deal, Barcelona chiefs split on Man Utd star
LIONEL MESSI is among a cluster of Barcelona stars requesting the club to complete a deal for Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
Man United: Mourinho on what happened with Paul Pogba
Pogba’s relationship with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United is at breaking point and the pair have had a number of run-ins over the past few months.
Barcelona are one of a number of clubs who have been linked for the World Cup winner, who joined United from Juventus in the summer of 2016.
And now according to the Daily Mail, there is a greater clamour for Pogba to head to the Nou Camp.
The report suggests Messi and Pique would like to see Pogba link up with them as the midfielder’s power and presence would provide a different dimension to the La Liga giants.
While it is believed Ernesto Valverde is also eager for a deal to take place, Barca scouts have some reservations and worry whether Pogba would be able to adapt to their tika-taka model.
It is also suggested that United hope to recoup as much as £89million they paid to bring him to Old Trafford.
Despite his inconsistent performances, Pogba’s international colleague, Hugo Loris, has launched a staunch defence of the player.
“He has a status in the UK, maybe because of his huge transfer fee,” Loris said.
“Sometimes people judge him not very fairly.
“Now he has more maturity, he knows what he needs to do, he proves that with us.
“I think his performances at United are far from being as bad as people say.
“He is part of a team which has worse results than we could have expected, that's for sure."
Pogba and United return to action away to Chelsea on Saturday (12.30pm).