Report: Manchester United set to make firm offer for Juventus star Paul Pogba
Manchester United missed out a chance for a place in next season's Champions League due to their inferior goal difference to their “noisy neighbours” Manchester City. Both the Manchester clubs ended the 2015-16 season with 66 points after 38 matches.
Despite missing out on the Europe's elite club competition, the Red Devils are looking to bring in world class player in the summer transfer window. According to The Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castle via One World Sports, United have made a bid for Juventus star Paul Pogba.
The France international was at United's academy, before breaking into their first team in 2011. However, lack of assurances over playing time and change of agent saw the Red Devils lose out on the midfielder as a free agent.
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Pogba decided to go ahead with Mino Raiola as his representative and he helped him move to Juventus as a free agent in 2012. Since joining the Turin club, the Frenchman has gone to become one of the best midfielders in Europe.
His form has attracted interest from United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. While Pogba's desired destination is said to be Barcelona, but the Catalan giants have taken a hit in financial terms due to the expected loss from sponsorship revenues.
In addition to this, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has informed the club's board to prioritise on strengthening the club's back four, rather than the midfield. This has allowed United to make an approach for Pogba.
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The report claims Juventus are willing to let their star player leave the club in the summer transfer window if they receive a fee of at least €80m for the player's signature. The Old Trafford club are willing to splash the cash and have made an approached with the Old Lady in bringing their former player back to the Premier League.
United will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain in signing Pogba. The French champions are keen on taking the midfielder to his homeland in the summer as they look to further bolster their squad.
A move to Parc des Princes will see Pogba feature in the Champions League, something that he has to sacrifice if he decides to return to his former club. He has two firm offers and it is in Pogba's hands as to where he wants to play next season.