Man Utd Keen to Sell Paul Pogba to Raise Funds for Makeover - But Reports Differ on Timing
By Adam Aladay
Manchester United 'want' to offload midfielder Paul Pogba as they look to raise funds ahead of a busy summer transfer window. However, reports differ on whether the Red Devils wish to cash in on his services before or after Euro 2020.
Pogba has suffered with an ankle injury this season and, as a result, has been limited to just eight appearances in all competitions for United. He last featured on 26 December last year, coming on to play the second half of their clash with Newcastle.
Amid his injury struggles, the World Cup winner has persistently been linked with a move away from the club, most notably with former club Juventus and Real Madrid.
Last summer Pogba seemed to court speculation by speaking of his desire for a new challenge, while transfer talk has continued all season, while his agent - the notorious Mino Raiola - said earlier this week that the Frenchman could return to Italy.
The Daily Star now report that United are already 'planning' to sell Pogba before Euro 2020 begins, in order to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga which could wreck their summer plans.
The Red Devils are said to be planning a 'major summer recruitment drive' and the sale of Pogba will help raise funds for that spending spree. United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is said to be desperate to sell Pogba before the Euros commence on 12 June, while the midfielder himself also 'determined' to leave the club.
Woodward is aware of the fact that an injury to the player at Euro 2020 could ruin their chances of offloading him and, as a result, the club will seek £100m for the 26-year-old ahead of the tournament.
Moreover, Woodward has informed manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he will be able to use the money from the sale of Pogba to buy two new midfielders. The Daily Star claim that United could look to make a move for Tottenham's Eric Dier, who grew up supporting the club. United bosses 'believe' Dier could be tempted to leave Spurs this summer, with the north London side willing to listen to offers for him.
The Guardian, meanwhile, also report that Pogba 'wants' to leave Old Trafford. However, instead of the £100m figure that the Star suggest United are seeking for the player's services, the Guardian insist they are holding out for £83m.
Moreover, the Guardian reveal that the club hope a strong finish to the season from the player and a bright showing for France at Euro 2020 will help 'strengthen' their hand regarding the fee. However, Raiola intends to hold talks with United in the spring and if they are not willing to make an offer that meets 'his expectations', the super-agent may notify the club of his client's desire to leave.
Leicester midfielder James Maddison is said to 'want' a summer move to Man Utd, while fellow summer target Jack Grealish has also told 'his friends' that he wants a move to Manchester.
Elsewhere, a source told 90min that the club remain confident they can win the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.