Barcelona tried and failed to land Juventus star Paulo Dybala with an audacious €80million bid for young striker earlier this year

BARCELONA recently tried and failed to land Juventus star Paulo Dybala in an audacious €80million move.

That’s according to the founder of football agency Grupo Mascardi, which counts Dybala as one of its clients.

The Argentine has established himself as one of Europe’s finest forwards after moving to Turin last summer in a deal worth €40m from Palermo.

Dybala went on to score 19 goals in 34 league appearances as Max Allegri’s men scooped their fifth consecutive Serie A title, and his performances are believed to be attracting interest from some elite clubs.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Dybala – as well as former Juventus team-mate Alvaro Morata – with Barcelona also keen.

And Gustavo Mascardi, whose agency represents the interest of players, has revealed the Catalan giants made an eye-watering bid for Dybala earlier this year, only to be rebuffed by the talented 21-year-old.

And although a future move has not been ruled out, Mascardi adds that Dybala is keen to continue his development at a top club where he is getting guaranteed first-team football.

: “When I talk with Paulo and his agent, Pierpaolo Triulzi, I know that the player is on the right track.

“A year ago both Inter and Milan wanted him but he was right to choose the club which would give more security. And his career at Juventus has just begun.

“There are many temptations in the transfer market but Paulo has shown that he has clear ideas.

“It is true that in recent months Barcelona were interested – I think they made a bid of double what the Bianconeri paid.

“The player’s first consideration was that it was more important to consolidate his experience at a club which is giving him the opportunity to succeed at the highest level.”