Barcelona Mascardi reveals striker's desire to stay with Juventus

As the man who initially helped bring the striker to Europe, Gustavo Mascardi has revealed that Juventus starlet, Paulo Dybala, previously rejected a move to La Liga giants, Barcelona.

Following his €40 million switch last summer, the former Palermo talisman made a magnificent start to life in Turin, as he finished as the Serie A's second highest goalscorer with 19 goals from 34 league appearances.

As a result, the 22-year-old's future at the club has been under intense scrutiny, with reports suggesting that a whole host of Europe's elite, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona, were strongly interested in securing the player's services.

Consequently, Mascardi has revealed that the Blaugrana did make an enticing offer for Dybala, although insisted that the striking starlet is primarily focused on his future with the Bianconeri.

"When I speak with Paulo and his agent, Pierpaolo Triulzi, I know that the lad is really on the right track," said the founder of Group Mascardi. "A year ago Inter and AC Milan also wanted him, but he was right to choose the club which would give him more protection.

"His career at Juventus has only just begun. As for his future, the transfer market can offer a lot of temptations, but Paulo has shown himself to have clear ideas.

"It's true that in recent months Barcelona were interested in La Joya, I think they made a bid of double what the Bianconeri paid.

"But 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 levels."