LONDON - Paul Pogba would be welcomed at Barcelona with open arms if he is allowed to leave Manchester United, says Gerard Pique.
Pogba’s future at Old Trafford has been thrown into doubt after it emerged that his agent, Mino Raiola, has been in talks with the Spanish club and the 25-year-old France midfielder is desperate to move to the Nou Camp.
United are determined to hold on to Pogba until the transfer window closes in Spain on Friday, although it is understood that he is still expected to push for a move in January and again next summer if he does not get his wish.
Even though Pogba’s relationship with manager Jose Mourinho has become severely strained over the past year, the World Cup winner has told United that a desire to join Barcelona is the key factor.
Pique, who left United for Barca in 2004 and rejoined the Catalan club four years later, admits they would welcome the ex-Juventus star after signing his friend and former team-mate Arturo Vidal this summer.
"We would be happy to have him (Pogba) here," said Pique. "I know little about what he is going through in Manchester and the relationship that exists (between Mourinho and Pogba). Pogba is a very good player, but a Manchester United player right now and we’ll see if something happens in the future."
United will not consider selling Pogba, with no chance of signing a replacement now the window has closed in this country, and will continue to resist any offers for a player who still has three years left on his contract.
Those times when nothing goes to your side but you have to keep trying #pogfeelings pic.twitter.com/aMmwYd6bRf