Beppe Marotta reveals Juventus were “very close” to Marco Verratti before PSG pounced, but they “won’t open talks” for Paul Pogba.
The Bianconeri had been on the verge of taking a then-teenage Verratti from Serie B side Pescara in 2012.
“We had contact with him that summer he went to Paris Saint-Germain, but we had just signed Pogba and had other more urgent requirements,” Marotta told Radio Deejay.
Beppe Marotta reveals Juventus were “very close” to Marco Verratti before PSG pounced, but they “won’t open talks” for Paul Pogba.
The Bianconeri had been on the verge of taking a then-teenage Verratti from Serie B side Pescara in 2012.
“We had contact with him that summer he went to Paris Saint-Germain, but we had just signed Pogba and had other more urgent requirements,” Marotta told Radio Deejay.
“Then PSG’s offer arrived and we were unable to match it, but the negotiations had been at a very advanced stage. We were very close.”
Now Pogba is thought to be worth up to €100m, though Juventus continue to slam the door on all offers.
“His worth is also dictated by potential buyers. He has many of those, but we are the ones who won’t open talks because if we want to raise the bar then that means focusing on players like him.
“There are certainly clubs prepared to pay €70m-€80m for Pogba.”
As for Andrea Pirlo, Marotta notes Juve are trying to keep him in Turin.
“He has given a great deal to Juventus and his contract runs until 2016. When he decides to quit, we will respect that, but we also hope he’ll want to stay with us beyond that date.”