Barcelona chief reveals admiration for Chelsea and Manchester United target Paul Pogba

Barcelona international sporting director Ariedo Braida has confirmed the Catalans like Juventus coveted star Paul Pogba "a lot" and he revealed talks with the Serie A officials about the former Manchester United star.

The France international is expected to be one of the most sought-after players during the summer transfer window amid reports claiming Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris-Saint Germain are ready to break the bank to secure his services.

Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta recently confirmed that even though they are not likely to negotiate his departure, some clubs are ready to pay up to €80m (£59m, $90m) for the midfielder.

"There are many suitors for Pogba. But we are not open to any negotiations as we want to keep him. There are some clubs who are ready to pay €70m to €80m to recruit Pogba," he said.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly earmarked the signing of a top midfielder as one his priorities this summer and the Juventus star is said to be on the top of his list alongside Atletico Madrid's Koke.

Meanwhile, Pogba's agent Mino Raiola recently indicated the Frenchman holds no grudge with United, suggesting he is open to a return to Old Trafford despite leaving in 2012 due to the lack of playing time under Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Braida has now all but confirmed the Catalans will join the battle to secure his services by revealing his admiration for the player and conversations with his Juventus counterpart about the star.

"We like Pogba, a lot. But it is obvious because a champion like him is liked but every European clubs," Braida said to Tutto Sport. "Despite his youth, he has shown the quality that he needs to play at the highest level. Marotta is a good friend of mine. I spoke with him about everyone and therefore Pogba, yes."

The Catalans are banned by Fifa from making any additions this summer but Braida hinted of the possibility to agree a move ahead of the next January transfer window.

He said: "For Barcelona it would be an important signing and very interesting, but our situation is complicated. We cannot sign players until 2016 due to the Fifa sanction.

"[Signing him ahead of the January transfer window] is one hypothesis, but everything depends on the will of the directors at Barcelona and equally, what the coach Luis Enrique thinks. I wait for instructions from my club and while I wait, I work and test the ground."