Manchester City have decided to end their pursuit to sign Juventus star-man Paul Pogba, leaving local rivals Manchester United free to pursue the signing of dynamic midfielder this summer.
The Blues were reportedly favorites to prise-away the 23-year-old from the Serie A champions but have settled to end their interest to sign him following the appointment of Pep Guardiola.
The Spanish coach has instead made former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as his first signing at Man City.
Pogba has established himself as one of the best midfielders in world football after another successful campaign in Turin, playing a key role to help Juventus win fifth straight Serie A title and back-to-back Copa Italia titles.
Man United are now weighting up an official offer for the French International, who will represent his national side in the Euro 2016 this month.
Newly appointed Red Devils’ boss is said to be a long-term admirer of the former Man United player and even tried to sign him last summer for Chelsea. However, it remains unclear whether Pogba is willing to return to Old Trafford after leaving the club in a very unpleasant manner back in 2012.
The Old Trafford outfit also face stiff competition from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are keeping track of the young midfielder’s progress as well. Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Pogba for the past two seasons but are yet to show interest for his signature this summer.
Juventus, meanwhile, have conceded to the idea of losing their star playmaker but are expected to hold out for a mega-money deal. The Serie A champions will reportedly make attempts to fork out over £60 million to let the player leave, meaning Man United will have to break British transfer record for the second time in three years to bring Pogba back into the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Reds Devils have completed the signing of Villarreal defender Eric Bailly, making the Ivory Coast International as first signing of Jose Mourinho’s era.
Man United are also close to sign former PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is also represented by Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola. It is highly anticipated that the Red Devils’ officials have made inquiry about signing Pogba while negotiating Swedish skipper’s move to Old Trafford this summer.
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