Marseille chief reveals why option to sign Pogba was aborted

Marseille president Pablo Longoria revealed that the club discussed the opportunity to sign Paul Pogba this season, but ultimately decided against the move as it could have "upset the balance of the squad".

The French midfielder has been free to return to competitive football since his doping ban was lifted on March 13; however, with no club willing to acquire his services, he sees his period on the sidelines increase indefinitely.

Pogba had been linked with Marseille after the news of his reduced ban hit the headlines, with a move to Saudi Arabia or the United States' MLS also heavily talked about as possible destinations for the 32-year-old.

Asked why 'La Pioche' did not end up signing for OM, club president Longoria told 'Cadena SER': "We had conversations and we had this opportunity because the player had come onto the market.

"However, we decided not to do it this season because we thought that his recovery time could upset the balance of the squad. That would raise expectations. We felt that it would be counterproductive"

With a move before the end of the current campaign looking less and less likely, the former Manchester United and Juventus star will continue to work on returning to optimum fitness, hoping to convince clubs for the upcoming season.