Reports claim Manchester United value Paul Pogba at just £55million as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains on a collision course with the board over the midfielder.
Pogba’s future at Old Trafford has been the subject of many column inches in recent years. After re-joining United from Juventus in 2016, he has rarely shown the consistency needed to be considered a top Premier League player. There have been glimpses of his undoubted talent but injuries have hampered his second spell at the Theatre of Dreams.
There was also the breakdown of his relationship with former manager Jose Mourinho. But there have been signs of a revival this term, especially since the turn of the year.
The 28-year-old has strung together some decent displays but doubts over his future remain. The France World Cup winner will be out of contract at the end of next season.
Therefore the club needs to act quickly to either extend his deal or sell to avoid losing him for nothing. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants him to stay but The Mirror claim the club’s hierarchy favour a different route.
He would certainly not be short of suitors, with former club Juventus plus Real Madrid thought to be keen. And the Mirror claim that a fee of £55m will be enough to get a deal done before the start of 2021-2022.
That would represent a considerable loss on their £89m outlay five years ago. And it also means a possible flashpoint with Solskjaer, who hopes to close the gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Pogba wage demands could hasten summer exit
The club’s frosty relationship Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola is another issue clouding the Frenchman’s future. The Italian is said to be pushing for a weekly wage of £400,000 for the midfielder to say put.
It seems unlikely that the north-west giants would play ball on that figure given the current financial climate. Therefore a switch of clubs in the off-season may well be on the cards for the man with 78 France caps.
United have been linked with many midfielders should Pogba opt to ply his trade elsewhere. One name that keep reappearing is Aston Villa’s England schemer Jack Grealish.
He has enjoyed a stellar season for the Villans and recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off. However, the West Midlanders’ lofty valuation of the 25-year-old saw them baulk at a move last year.
West Ham’s Declan Rice is another player deemed ready to occupy a midfield berth at old Trafford. But, once again, the Hammers’ demands may see that as a non-starter.
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