Mourinho and Pogba’s relationship has deteriorated in recent weeks with the United boss refusing to utilise a midfield three that would suit the Frenchman.
And that has heightened with Mourinho dropping Pogba against Sevilla after the 24-year-old had ruled himself out of last weekend’s showdown with Huddersfield.
Pogba has been linked with a mega-money move away from United, with his agent, Mino Raiola, said to be contacting a clutch of the world’s top clubs.
The latest reports from Spain suggest Mourinho is happy for a deal to happen and that he wants one of Messi’s friends to be included in the bargain.
According to Diario Gol, Raiola has offered Pogba to La Liga leaders Barcelona.
And Mourinho is apparently targeting the signing of Rakitic in return for the former Juventus ace.
Messi is unlikely to be happy about Mourinho’s interest in the Croatia international.
Diario Gol claim Messi sees Rakitic as an “untouchable” at Barcelona and is eager for him not to be swapped for anyone.
Messi needn’t worry about United eyeing up Rakitic as they consider cutting ties with Pogba though.
Barcelona supposedly have no interest in Pogba due to their current midfield options and the threat he’d pose to locker room harmony.
Diario Gol reckon Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid would be keen on signing Pogba having missed out on him to United in 2016.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo is allegedly opposed to Real snapping up the United star because he does not want his supremacy rivalled.
And Ronaldo has said the same to Florentino Perez regarding a potential swoop for Inter Milan hotshot Mauro Icardi.