Gossip: Man Utd’s Pogba stance; Arsenal, Spurs eye winger
UNITED DOUBT REAL, JUVE CAN AFFORD POGBA
Did you know that Paul Pogba wants to quit Manchester United? He’s hidden it so well…
But now he has confirmed to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he does indeed intend to leave Old Trafford, because that apparently wasn’t obvious in every utterance from the player and his agent over the last two years. The Daily Mail says the midfielder held ‘heart-to-heart’ talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that were said to be ‘honest, forthright and constructive’.
The Sun says the feeling is now mutual and United want rid of Pogba next month. They would like their money back for the £89million record signing but even the Red Devils accept they are p*ssing in the wind there. A fee of £50million is said to be realistic.
But United have doubts that any of Pogba’s suitors could stretch even that far, especially since Raiola will be demanding a salary in the region of £300,000 a week. ESPN says United are ready to field a variety of cash-plus-player offers but they won’t consider taking any player not already on their own list of targets.
ZIDANE TO QUIT REAL NEXT SUMMER
Pogba will be keeping a very close eye on what’s going on at Real Madrid. Unlike United, the Spaniards averted a Champions League disaster by qualifying for the last 16 last night, but Zinedine Zidane’s future remains far from certain.
The coach is said to be safe for now but Diariogol reckons an agreement has already been reached between Zidane and Real to part at the end of the season.
Zidane feels he has been let down by the club who have failed to fulfil promises to sign Pogba, Sadio Mane and Eduardo Camavinga.
BAYERN EYE BARCA STAR
Barcelona are even deeper in the financial mire. While Real have had to tighten their belts, Barca are considering selling their assets. One of them being Frenkie De Jong.
The Holland midfielder arrived at the Nou Camp at the start of last season in a £65million deal with Ajax. De Jong quickly became a Barca regular but the club may have to consider taking him back to market.
Should that be necessary, Bayern Munich will be waiting. Bayern wanted De Jong when he opted for Barca and they are ready to give him a second chance of a switch to Bavaria. Hansi Flick has prioritised the signing of a midfielder, with Camavinga and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus also on their list.
Mundo Deportivo says Bayern have already been in touch with De Jong’s agent and the European champions would be willing to give Barca their money back.
CHELSEA ON ALABA’S SHORTLIST
David Alaba could be making the reverse journey.
The Bayern defender will be a free agent at the end of the season and it seems he, or rather his agent, has burnt all bridges with the club.
Manchester City were heavily linked with the Austria defender but they don’t feature in the shortlist of clubs in contention to sign the 28-year-old. Bild reckons Barca are joined by Real, PSG and Chelsea as Alaba’s most likely options.
F365 FEATURE: Five players Man Utd might take in part-ex for Pogba
PREM QUARTET EYE BAILEY
Leon Bailey also has four clubs on his tail.
The Bayer Leverkusen winger was linked with a move to the Premier League a couple of years ago but the chatter faded and Bailey remains in Germany.
Though perhaps not for much longer. The Daily Mail says Arsenal, Tottenham, Man Utd and Everton will all be watching the 23-year-old tonight when Leverkusen take on Slavia Prague in the Europa League.
Leeds are said to have seen a £36million offer for Bailey rejected in the summer and his form since could see his price hiked up even further.
