Manchester United target Paul Pogba ‘buys house in Barcelona’ as Jose Mourinho looks set to miss out on Juventus star

MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a major transfer blow as Paul Pogba edged closer to Barcelona.

The midfielder is one of Jose Mourinho’s top summer targets and the new boss is believed to be willing to stump up Juventus’ £76million asking price to bring him back to Old Trafford.

Pogba spent three years in the United academy but left for the Serie A giants in 2012 after refusing to sign a new deal.

And, according to reports in Italy the 23-year-old could be ready to snub United — this time to join the Spanish champions.

Barca boss Luis Enrique is known to be monitoring Pogba’s situation and La Repubblica claims that the France international has already bought a new home in Catalonia, after terminating the lease on his Turin apartment.

But the La Liga side‘s financial situation means they will have to sell current stars to raise the funds for a deal — with Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano believed to be nearing moves in the opposite direction.

Jose Mourinho was confirmed as United’s new manager on Friday and the Special One will splash the cash as he seeks instant results.

The FA Cup holders are believed to have a transfer budget of around £200m for the upcoming window meaning Pogba’s price-tag will not be a hurdle — if they can convince the player to return to England.

United already missed out on midfielder Renato Sanches this summer when the Benfica wonderkid opted for a move to Bayern Munich.

And executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is determined not to let another superstar slip through his fingers.

Pogba’s estate agents insisted the star’s Spanish property purchase is not football-related.

A statement read: “The purchase of a villa in Barcelona is in no way related to footballing matters. It is purely an estate investment.”

Chelsea’s Willian, Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez and free-agent striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic are also on Mourinho’s radar.