Transfer Talk: Manchester United chase new central defensive partnership as Barcelona eye up Pogba

Barcelona have joined Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, PSG and, well anyone with enough cash and half a brain, in chasing Paul Pogba.

But wait, we know what you're going to say: Barcelona are banned from making transfers for the remainder of 2015, so how the hell will they be able to buy Pogba? Well, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, the club are still top of the queue to sign the Juventus midfielder, next January at the earliest, but more likely summer 2016. Barcelona have reportedly contacted Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, to begin negotiations over what could potentially be a world record fee. Josep Maria Bartomeu, the club's acting president, faces a club election in the summer, and the promise of a move for Pogba may boost his campaign. The French midfielder joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2012, after a breakdown in relations between his representatives and then Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. Pogba was unhappy with his limited playing time at Old Trafford, making just seven appearances in his one year in the first team. Ferguson started Rafael and Ji-Sung Park in central midfield ahead of Pogba in one Premier League game. Let that sink in United fans... But Pogba's former club are moving on and are set to plug their creaky backline with two of the world's most promising defenders. According to the Manchester Evening News, Louis van Gaal has identified Rapheal Varane as a transfer target, and told Ed Woodward, the club's executive vice chairman, to pay Real Madrid's €35 million valuation. The 21-year old only signed a new six-year contract last year, and has already made over 100 appearances for the Spanish club, but has only recently returned to the starting line-up following an injury to first choice central defender Sergio Ramos. The defender was close to joining United in 2011 from French club Lens, but apparently the club chose to sign Phil Jones instead. Let that sink in United fans... United are planning a move for another €35 million rated centre-half. The Daily Mail are reporting that the club has made contact with PSG for Marquinhos, were rebuffed in January, but remain keen on the player. Marquinhos told French newspaper L’Equipe that the club refused an approach for him, 'But it's nice to know Manchester United are interested'. The Brazilian defender had just turned 19 when he moved to France from Roma for €30 million in 2013 and looks to have the potential to become one of the world's best defenders. David Luiz's move to PSG last summer seemed to have jeopardised his compatriot's position. However, Marquinhos started the recent Champions League game against Chelsea in centre-half beside Thiago Silva, with Luiz moved into midfield. David Luiz cost €50 million from Chelsea. Let that sink in world...