Backheel Breakfast: Paul Pogba could cost a world record fee

For months, it’s been speculated that Paul Pogba’s transfer fee would be something in the €70-80 million range, making him the fourth-most expensive player of all-time. But Juventus aren’t in a financial position where they have to sell, and that’s driving up the price.

Tuttosport claim that Juventus have rejected an €80 million bid from Barcelona, who can’t actually add Pogba to their squad this summer. If the Blaugrana signed Pogba, they’d have to loan him out for six months. There was also news on Thursday that Manchester City went to Turin to meet with Juventus and Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola. There are a lot of interested parties -- they all have a lot of money -- and the fee could approach the €100 million paid for Gareth Bale.

But if there’s one thing that can keep the fee down, it’s Pogba being picky. He reportedly turned down a huge contract offer from Juventus and isn’t interested in going to PSG. If there aren’t too many places Pogba is willing to go, the team he doesn’t want to go to doesn’t exactly have to win a bidding war. They can just be patient.

Daniel Sturridge will miss the start of next season. (BBC)

Karim Benzema will be in Real Madrid’s 18-man squad this weekend. (AS)

Youri Tielemans has signed a new contract with Anderlecht, which should end speculation about a transfer for at least one summer. (@ytielemans)

Arsene Wenger doesn’t want to cash in on Theo Walcott. He wants the attacker to sign a new deal. (ESPN FC)

Quakes forward Innocent is out 4-6 months. (MLS)

Neymar gushed about Messi letting him take a penalty when Leo was on a hat trick. (Sport)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could return for the FA Cup final. (Telegraph)

Brendan Rodgers, like your buddy who calls women who reject him, ugly, says he didn’t even want Memphis Depay. (Guardian)

A formidable trio of writers on footballers who went into politics. (Guardian)

James Young on how fast managers get fired in Brazil. (Soccer Gods)

Greg Theoharis on supporting a team vs. supporting a political party. (Dispatches From a Football Sofa)

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously.

Inter Milan aren’t the only team in for Yaya Toure, but the other interested parties don’t want to pay his wages. (Mail)

Man City are supposedly in the lead to sign Roberto Firmino. (Star)

AC Milan want to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic back. (Football Italia)

Sevilla won in Europa League, while Napoli drew in a poorly officiated game.

Brentford vs. Middlesbrough (Friday, 2:45 p.m.) - The promotion playoffs are always must-watch stuff, even if the best player on each of these teams is there on loan.

Ipswich vs. Norwich (Saturday, 7:15 a.m.) - And Saturday’s playoff is a proper local derby.

’Gladbach vs. Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 9:30 a.m.) - An important game to avoid the Champions League playoff.

Barcelona vs. Real Sociedad (Saturday, 12 p.m.) - Moyesball could lead to a potential Barca slip-up.

Real Madrid vs. Valencia (Saturday, 2 p.m.) - By far Madrid’s hardest game left, and a huge one for Los Che in the top four race.

Chelsea vs. Liverpool (Sunday, 11 a.m.) - Because watching Liverpool honor the champions will be funny.

USWNT vs. Ireland (Sunday, 3 p.m.) - The first World Cup warm-up game should be a walk.

New York Red Bulls vs. NYCFC (Sunday, 7 p.m.) - Featuring real, actual hatred!