Laporta plans to lure Pogba to Barca

Joan Laporta would be keen to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba if he wins FC Barcelona’s presidential election on July 18.

Pogba, 22, is one of the most coveted players in Europe after helping Juve win the domestic double and reach the Champions League final this season.

Laporta is hoping to return to Barca’s top post and is one of five candidates in the running to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu, who is standing for re-election.

“Pogba would be a great signing,” Laporta said to Spanish radio station Catalunya Radio. “He is a very strong player, very young and he is enthusiastic to arrive here.

“Everyone believes he would fit in Barca’s system.

“I have a good relationship with Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, since the time when we signed Maxwell and (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic.” said Laporta.

Reports in Spain claim Pogba, who is under contract with Juve until June 2019, is expected to remain in Turin for another season before the France international makes his move to the Nou Camp next summer.

Barca cannot field any new players until January 2016 due to a transfer ban imposed by Fifa for breaching rules on the transfer of players aged under 18.

Laporta, 52, previously served as president of Barca from 2003 until 2010.

Back in the 2003 elections Laporta, who did not start as favourite but won, promised to bring David Beckham to Barca.

Beckham would go on to join Real Madrid in a €35m transfer deal that summer from Manchester United.

Elsewhere Juventus forward Domenico Berardi has joined Sassuolo on a permanent transfer in a €10m deal.

The Turin giants part-owned Berardi’s sporting rights with Sassuolo, and with the deadline for the settlement of co-ownership deals fast approaching, the two clubs reached an agreement for the 20-year-old.

• Ian Cathro is set to be appointed as Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren’s assistant. The 28-year-old Scot, who left a similar post at Valencia at the end of last season, has accepted the Magpies’ offer to join McClaren’s staff after a lengthy search.

Cathro, who started coaching in his teens after injury ended his fledgling playing career, has emerged as a target in recent days and while the club is yet to confirm his appointment, it is understood a deal is now in place.

Former England manager’ McClaren turned to the former Dundee United coach after struggling in his efforts to bring in Phil Neville and Bolo Zenden among the men sounded out about the vacancy.