Paul Pogba ‘is telling those close to him he wants to extend his Manchester United contract’ amid interest in the French midfielder from Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 28-year-old’s current deal at Old Trafford expires next summer and speculation has been rife as to his next destination for some time.
However, reports in France suggest Pogba has resolved to stay with United and is now making no secret of this fact.
L’Equipe say Pogba would like a new, long-term deal that would unquestionably make him one of the best-paid players in the Premier League.
They say the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho over the summer to strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad is a key factor in his decision.
Likewise the fact Pogba has started the season brightly and is playing a key role in the team, whether in central midfield or on the left of the attack.
He has registered seven assists in nine matches so far, showing some of the best creative form of his second spell with United, which started with his return from Juventus in 2016.
Paul Pogba set up four of United’s five goals against Leeds United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and recorded further assists against Southampton and Newcastle.
It came after The Sun reported United want Pogba’s new contract done and dusted by Christmas and have been in regular conversation with his agent Mino Raiola.
The terms on the new contract could reportedly earn Pogba as much as £400,000-a-week.
In January, Paul Pogba would be eligible to speak to other club over a free transfer in the summer and United are desperate to avoid that becoming a distraction during the second half of the season.
It would come as a blow to Pogba’s suitors. Real Madrid have been linked with the 2018 World Cup winner for some time but are also interested in PSG striker Kylian Mbappe and may be unable to afford both next year.
PSG were reportedly willing to offer Pogba a salary of £510,000-a-week if he came for free, while a second spell with Juventus has also been mooted.
But it now appears his future lies at United and they will need Pogba to turn around an inconsistent start to the season and challenge for the silverware Solskjaer so desperately needs.
Paul Pogba only played the final 20 minutes off the bench in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Everton, a result which followed a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.
United have also been far from convincing in the Champions League, needing a 95th-minute Ronaldo goal to overcome Villarreal having lost their group opener to Young Boys.
They were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup by West Ham, falling at the first hurdle in the competition.
And things aren’t about to get any easier, with a tricky run of games that will see them play Leicester, Atalanta (twice), Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City in the next month.
Read more…
