Manchester City enquired about Paul Pogba last summer reveals Juventus chief

Manchester City enquired about the availability of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba last summer, according to the Italian club. The 23-year-old Frenchman is reportedly a long-time transfer target for the likes of Manchester City, but Beppe Marotta, Juventus' director general, has insisted they do not wish to sell the player.

Pogba has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in world football since joining Juventus from Manchester United in 2012. However, City are said to have baulked at the eye-watering fee – £71m ($102.8m) – they were quoted last summer.

"It's true, Manchester City asked us for Pogba last year," Marotta told Mediaset Premium of the French star. "We politely replied that he was not for sale and the matter ended there.

"I won't deny he has many offers, as does Paulo Dybala, because they are both talented and very young. However, we want to hold on tight, as they are not on the market - Pogba is 23 years old and can continue with us for a long time."

Meanwhile, Pogba – who has also been persistently linked with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain – recently revealed his admiration of City's new manager Pep Guardiola, who will replace Manuel Pellegrini next season. "He is a coach that I admire and someone you can learn a lot from," he said of the next City boss.