The reliable Manchester Evening News have provided an insight into Manchester United’s stance with regards to the contract of transfer-linked Paul Pogba.
United exit links
Rumours surrounding the future of Red Devils star man Pogba have been rife for almost a year now.
On the back of a hit-and-miss campaign last time out, during which the Frenchman again proved himself to be one of the most infuriatingly-inconsistent players in world football, Pogba was heavily-targeted by the United faithful on the final day of the season.
As such, the growing tension between the 27-year-old and the Red Devils, coupled with Real Madrid’s public chase of a superstar midfield addition, resulted in Pogba being hotly-tipped to make a move to the Bernabeu.
In the end, though, despite the World Cup winner’s agent, Mino Raiola, confirming that his client was angling for a departure, Pogba was forced to stay put.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Paul Pogba of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on August 24, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Raiola influence
Pogba remaining at Old Trafford, however, has not put to bed the questions surrounding his future.
In fact, speculation that the midfielder could soon be on the move has ramped up once again over the last couple of months.
This comes on the back of comments on the part of both Mino Raiola and Pogba’s brother, Mathias.
After Raiola first hinted at a potential summer return to Serie A champions Juventus for his client, the ever-controversial super-agent followed up by aiming a scathing jibe at Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Mathias Pogba, meanwhile, recently claimed in no uncertain terms that ‘everyone knows Paul wants to leave’ Old Trafford.
Pogba’s deal
As such, the widespread assumption, at this point, is that Manchester United’s midfield maestro will likely be on the move this summer.
One question mark which has nevertheless remained, however, surrounds the fee that the Red Devils could realistically demand for Pogba.
Mino Raiola has consistently pushed the line that his client’s current contract in Manchester is due to expire next summer, which would, of course, leave Ed Woodward and co. in a difficult position in transfer negotiations.
The Manchester Evening News, though, have today moved to clarify the situation.
As things stand, Pogba’s contract is in fact set to end in the summer of 2021.
However, United hold an option, which could be triggered at any moment, to extend the Frenchman’s terms for a further year.
Such a move would no doubt see Pogba’s price-tag skyrocket once more.
To this point, though, this is an option which those in a position of power at Old Trafford have decided against activating.
Nevertheless, the Manchester powerhouse remain ‘relaxed’ when it comes to both Pogba’s contract, and future.
Manchester United evening headlines as club stance on Paul Pogba revealed #mufc https://t.co/I1la0SiHh2
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) April 22, 2020
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