Barcelona 'cannot afford to sign Paul Pogba next year'

Barcelona will reportedly not be in the race to sign Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba next year, as the Catalan giants cannot afford to pay the Frenchman's wages.

The 28-year-old's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next June, and a number of clubs, including Barcelona, have been credited with an interest in the World Cup winner.

A recent report claimed that Pogba's agent Mino Raiola had contacted the Catalan giants to offer them the chance to sign his client in 2022.

However, according to AS, Barcelona's financial problems mean that they would not be able to get close to the wages that the midfielder would demand from a potential suitor.

The report claims that Pogba would want at least €17m (£14m) a year, while Raiola's commission would also make the deal impossible for Ronald Koeman's side.

Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all believed to be keen to acquire the France international on a free transfer, but Man United are still working to sign him to a new contract.