Joan Laporta: I can bring Juventus star Paul Pogba to Barcelona

Laporta has claimed his "great relationship" with the player's agent Mino Raiola could be a key factor in helping the Spanish and European champions to fend off competition from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to land the France midfielder from Juventus.

Pogba, 22, is expected to break Gareth Bale's £86 million world record transfer from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013, and could become football's first £100 million man.

"Pogba would be a great signing," Laporta told Catalunya Radio. "He really is a very strong player. He is still young and has the desire to join Barcelona.

"I have a great relationship with his agent, Mino Raiola. If we decide to try to sign Pogba, he will definitely be a great intermediary."

Laporta is up against president Josep Bartomeu, Jordi Majo and Agusto Benedito in the bid to be elected, but it is believed to be a two-horse race between himself and Bartomeu.

The election takes place on July 18.

Laporta was Barca president between 2003 to 2010 when Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola enjoyed considerable success, but all that matters is the here and now. Laporta has to try to win popularity after Barca carried off the treble of Champions League, Liga and Copa del Rey to enhance Bartomeu's standing. Declaring his interest in signing Pogba is hardly a vote-loser. Bartomeu called an early election to "ease tension" around the club rather than wait until next year. Much of the tension will already be eased after such a rousing finale to the season. Barca may well be interested in Pogba whether or not Laporta becomes president.