Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba seems destined for a transfer away from Serie A this summer.
The French international is being monitored by several European heavyweights including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and the two Manchester clubs.
However, the two most interested parties right now are Manchester United and Real Madrid. Los Blancos are eyeing up a marquee signing after their 11th Champions League win last season and Jose Mourinho is looking to shore up his midfield as he prepares to challenge for the Premier League title in his very first season.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has hinted several times that the player is keen on a transfer and especially to Real Madrid.
Guardian have now confirmed those speculations and are reporting that Pogba prefers a transfer to Santiago Bernabeu this summer and will only consider a return to Manchester United if the move to Real Madrid falls through.
The French midfielder joined Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United a few years ago after falling out with the then Old Trafford boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. The legendary Scottish manager blamed Raiola for the incident.
Guardian are reporting that Juventus value the player they once signed for free at 84 million pounds right now and Real Madrid/Manchester United will have to pay up if they want to sign him this summer.
The resources of both clubs are significant and both are capable of pulling off a sensational transfer like this.
Guardian add that Mourinho has asked Manchester United to meet Pogba’s wage demands (£13m-a-year) and therefore agreeing personal terms should not be a problem if a fee can be agreed.
Now the interesting twist in the tale is that Jason Burt from Telegraph claims that Real Madrid are not ready to shell out a fee of 84 million pounds for Pogba and will go up to 60 million pounds for the Frenchman. Furthermore, he adds that Manchester United are ready to meet Juventus’ asking price.
As things stand, United are in a great position to sign the player. Their interest has been confirmed by several reliable media outlets and Mourinho has dealt with Raiola successfully twice this summer (Zlatan and Mkhitaryan). There is no reason why they cannot pull this off, unless ofcourse Florentino Perez changes his stance and pays up.
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