Chelsea target Paul Pogba: Neymar says Barcelona will 'open the gates' for Juventus star

Neymar has encouraged Barcelona officials to make an effort to secure the services of coveted star Paul Pogba by assuring the Catalans would "open the gates for the Juventus midfielder.

The France international is expected to be one of the hottest prospect of the summer transfer window after 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.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly earmarked him as their marquee signing of the summer, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be interested in securing his services.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is said to be a big admirer of the 22-year-old, while the player's agent Mino Raiola recently suggested the Frenchman will be open to return to Old Trafford despite leaving in 2012 due to a lack of playing time under Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Barcelona international sporting director Ariedo Braida confirmed the Catalans will also be in the battle to secure his services even though they will be unable to sign him until the next January transfer window due to their current Fifa ban.

"We like Pogba, a lot. But it is obvious because a champion like him is liked but every European clubs. [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," Braida admitted.

And Neymar has now added fuel to the speculation regarding a move to the La Liga leaders while claiming the France international would be more than welcome at the Camp Nou.

"How he would fit, I don't know but he is a great player and we would open the gates for him," Neymar as quoted by Standard Sport.

"He is a great star. He is still young, even younger than me I think, but I think a player with such quality is always welcome."