Paul Pogba is wanted by Barcelona says Juventus director Pavel Nedved

Barcelona are preparing a deal for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba amid massive interest from Manchester United, according to the Turin club's sporting director Pavel Nedved.

The Catalans have their hands tied at the moment owing to a transfer ban imposed on them by the court, which restricts them from getting any prospects in during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish giants are currently top of the league and have arguably the most dynamic front three in the world in the form of Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Their midfield is a bit light weight given intermittent injuries to Sergio Busquets and with Xavi Hernandez leaving the club after the season, Pogba will add some much needed drive through the middle, which can rattle opposition defences.

The Frenchman is currently injured and is unlikely to play any part in Juventus' run-in to the quarter finals of the Champions League, where they face French giants Monaco. However, Nedved insists that they have the cavalry to sustain themselves in Pogba's absence and battle on two fronts in the league and in Europe.

"We know that Barca and other big clubs want him. But Pogba has a contract with us," Nedved told El Mundo Deportivo newspaper.

"We lose a lot without him. He is a footballer with an enormous quality but we cannot cry about it.

"We have a great roster that can overcome his loss," he added.

Manchester United are also major fans of the midfielder and were reported to be preparing a £60m bid for the player in the summer. Louis van Gaal is looking to add some much needed strength to his midfield and has earmarked Pogba as the player to take his team far in Europe.

The Red Devils have all but secured a place in the top four, with recent wins over Liverpool and Tottenham taking them five points clear of the Reds, who have a crucial game coming up against Arsenal at the Emirates.