Barcelona 'couldn't afford' Pogba when Juve sold him in 2016

If it wasn't for the high price tag, Barcelona would have tried to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus in the summer of 2016, according to the club's president.

Instead, the French midfielder returned to Manchester United after the Premier League outfit agreed to a £90-million transfer fee, which was a world record at the time.

"In the summer of 2015, Paul Pogba was playing in Turin and we simply told Juve that, if one day they decide to sell the player, we would be interested," Josep Maria Bartomeu said in an interview with ESPN FC's Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.

"When they sold the player (in 2016), they told us what the offer would have to be and we couldn't afford that amount of money at the time.

"So he went to United, and he's making them better as a team because he's one of the stars of the world of football right now."

Despite missing out on the 26-year-old three years ago, Barcelona have another opportunity to sign Pogba with reports suggesting the Catalan side, along with La Liga rivals Real Madrid, could make a push for him this summer. Last year, United reportedly turned down an offer worth €50 million, plus Yerry Mina and André Gomes.

Bartomeu didn't deny the reports but refused to elaborate on Barcelona's alleged interest.

"I prefer not to talk about players from other teams because I am sure there are also players at Barca that can make other teams better," he said.

"What I have to recognize is that United, in the last few years, have created a very good group, good players that are coming through. I am sure next season they will be candidates for the Premier League, and this year for the Champions League."

Barcelona and Manchester United will clash in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday before the return leg at Camp Nou on April 16.