OMNISPORT

Barcelona have called a halt to their pursuit of Paul Pogba, with presidential candidate Josep Maria Bartomeu insisting the Juventus midfielder is not part of the club's plans for the 2015-16 season.

The Champions League winners, who beat Juventus in last month's final, had an €80million bid for the France international rejected last week and Bartomeu - campaigning to be re-elected as president - revealed that the club had no intention of making an improved offer in this transfer window.

"We will not buy Pogba this year," he told reporters.

"We are not planning with him for next season. He is not part of our sporting plans for 2015-16 at this stage."

The news is unlikely to end speculation over Pogba's future and may alert other clubs to make a move for the 22-year-old.

Barcelona have strengthened since securing the treble in Luis Enrique's first campaign at the helm, with Ardu Turan's signing from Atletico Madrid on Monday coming after the announcement of Aleix Vidal's capture from Sevilla.

The new arrivals will not be able to feature until January under the terms of Barca's transfer ban.