This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to ESPN, Manchester United are keen on entering into new contract talks with Paul Pogba.
What’s the word?
The France World Cup winner had been the subject of intense transfer speculation over the course of the summer window, with reports suggesting the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus were keen on luring him away from Old Trafford.
However, a move failed to materialise before the end of the transfer window, and now, ESPN claim the Red Devils want to sit down with the midfielder’s agent, Mino Raiola, to discuss a contract extension.
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The report adds that having agreed new deals for the likes of David de Gea and Victor Lindelof in recent weeks, they are “ready to turn their attentions to Pogba”.
End of the saga
After publicly admitting he would be open to a “new challenge“, it looked almost inevitable Pogba would be heading for the Old Trafford exit door.
However, no club coughed up United’s reported asking price and it has left the Frenchman in the awkward position of playing for a team he seemed keen on leaving.
So on the face of it, offering a new contract to a player who has wanted, and perhaps still wants out, is questionable.
But if the Red Devils can convince Pogba to commit his long-term future to United, they would be making a huge statement. Success on the pitch may be lacking in recent years, but they still have the aura and the power to keep hold of their best players even when things aren’t going to plan.
A new deal would also finally end any doubts in Pogba’s head of potentially leaving and allow him to fully concentrate on his football. Amidst all the criticism he faced last season, the 26-year-old still managed an impressive 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.
A new contract could leave him re-energised and setting about trying to be the leader of this United team rather than being distracted by a potential departure.
Inspiration can come from different sources, and for the midfield maverick, a new long-term contract could be exactly what he needs.
