Good news: Pogba ‘tempted’ by United – report

Matt Stead

Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, according to reports.

Pogba is being courted by Europe’s leading clubs this summer, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and a number of Premier League sides.

The midfielder, who is currently involved in Euro 2016 with hosts France, is also on the radar of the club he left for Juventus in 2012: Manchester United.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, ‘discussions have begun’ between the ‘leaders’ of both clubs, which means bad news for United: Ed Woodward has been sent to Italy to conduct negotiations.

Furthermore, United ‘would provide a substantial financial package’ in order to sign the 23-year-old, who is thought to be ‘tempted’ by the prospect of playing under Jose Mourinho.

The manager, appointed as Louis van Gaal’s replacement earlier this summer, ‘was already dreaming of Pogba’ when he was in charge of Chelsea last season.

L’Equipe claim that while the lack of Champions League football may deter the midfielder – who is happy in Italy – from returning to Old Trafford, a move could still be pushed through. They even bring news of the potential formation which Mourinho could utilise: A 4-3-3 with Rooney and Pogba (and A.N other) in central midfield, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial as the forwards.

The kicker is left until the final line: ‘Juve has no intention of negotiating from a certain amount.’ Said ‘certain amount’ is thought to be around €100million – or £82.5m.