Luis Enrique says transfer rumours linking Barcelona with a big money bid for Juventus star Paul Pogba are nothing more than idle speculation.
Real Madrid have been persistently tipped to break the world transfer
record and buy the midfielder this summer, while a number of English
sides and PSG are also interested.
But Barcelona have recently emerged as a potential destination and
sporting director Ariedo Braida scouted the Frenchman during Juventus'
Champions League clash with Dortmund last week.
Any move for Pogba, 21, would be complicated, however, given that
Barca are banned from signing players until 2016 and Luis Enrique
offered little response to the latest round of reports.
"Pogba rumours? I'm not talking about speculation, I can't control
that. I'm focused on football now," he said ahead of his side's clash
with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Barcelona's midfield was a hot topic at the press conference, with
Sergio Busquets ruled out of the game following tests on his injured
ankle on Thursday.
"Replacing Busquets? We have several options. Sergi Roberto can play
there, and we have Xavi, [Javier] Mascherano and [Ivan] Rakitic."
The future of winger Pedro has come under scrutiny in recent weeks
with the Spain international struggling for regular football following
the summer signing of Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan, Lionel Messi and Neymar have formed Luis Enrique's
first choice front three for much of the campaign, though the former
Roma boss took the opportunity to praise Pedro.
"Pedro has special qualities," he added. "He adds a lot, dribbling,
scoring, keeping the pitch wide. He's always ready to compete."
Barca are entering a crunch period of the season as they prepare to
face Manchester City in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League
tie on March 18.
There is then the small matter of a potentially decisive league
meeting with Real Madrid four days later, and the Copa del Rey final
against Athletic Bilbao later in May.
The Blaugrana are just two points behind the leaders in La Liga and
Luis Enrique said maintaining a high level of focus would be key in the
coming weeks.
"It's key to stay focused and not let our attention drift from the league.
"Right now we are focused on the league and the Champions League. The cup can wait until four or five days before the final."
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