Man Utd transfer news: Barcelona chief Josep Maria Bartomeu drops Paul Pogba hint

Manchester United midfielder Pogba is a top Barcelona transfer target despite the Premier League window closing last week.

The France international is already off the mark for the new campaign, scoring in the Red Devils’ 2-1 win over Leicester on Friday, but a move away could yet beckon.

Barcelona are leading the race to sign the Manchester United star, who may leave Old Trafford given his strained relationship with manager Jose Mourinho.

And club president Bartomeu, speaking after their 2-1 Spanish Super Cup victory over Sevilla last night, has refused to rule out a swoop.

La Liga clubs have until August 31 to sign new recruits.

Barcelona have already had a fruitful summer, landing the likes of Arthur Melo, Clement Lenglet, Malcom and Arturo Vidal.

But Bartomeu, when quizzed about Pogba, said: “I won’t speak of any names, we have respect for all clubs and there are 20 days left.

“We’ll see which players come out.

“We’re focused on the league, so it’s best to ask [Eric] Abidal, [Ramon] Planes or Pep Segura about players. There’s still time to do business.”

And Pogba has refused to rule out leaving United.

He was given the captaincy against Leicester on Friday in a bid to convince him his future lies at Old Trafford.

Speaking about the honour, Pogba said: “I have always loved the club.

“I have played for the Academy, I have played for the first team and it was a dream come true.

“And now it is even more of a dream come true, wearing this armband, because of the past: the players who have played here and those who have been wearing this.

“For me, when I have this I have the confidence of the fans, they all help me. My team-mates also and I want to give them love and good performances on the pitch.”

United are unlikely, and reluctant, to let Pogba go.

Due to the transfer window closing, they have no time to land a replacement should he leave. Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been heavily tipped to sign should the Frenchman go.

And United were also furious with Barcelona for the low bid they made last week.

The Catalan giants offered the Red Devils £45million plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes.

Both players have since signed for Everton, meaning Barcelona may have to dangle somebody else as bait.

Ivan Rakitic and Ousmane Dembele are two of the names in the frame.

Pogba, meanwhile, has won the EFL Cup and Europa League since re-signing for United from Juventus two years ago.