CITY WANT POGBA
Pep keen on bombshell move for United flop
MANCHESTER CITY are interested in signing Paul Pogba on a free transfer in what could become one of the most explosive deals in British transfer history.
Pogba is out of contract at the end of next month when he is virtually certain to leave Manchester United for a second time after rejoining the club for a then world record transfer fee of £89million in 2016.
Pep Guardiola wants to add a new versatile central midfielder ahead of next season to fill the void that is likely to be left by captain Fernandinho, who is out of contract at the end of the season. And Sportsmail has learned Pogba is among a list of candidates the club have identified for the role.
Under transfer regulations, City cannot make a formal offer to Pogba until the end of the season. That puts them
at a disadvantage given overseas clubs have been able to formally discuss the possibility of signing Pogba since the turn of the year. But City certainly have the financial muscle to table a sizeable contract to Pogba, who earns £290,000 per week at Old Trafford. Persuading Pogba to switch city allegiances, however, may be the biggest obstacle towards the completion of what would be a shocking deal. The early indications are, though, that the 29-year-old would not immediately dismiss the prospect of joining City and would consider the option just as he would all the other offers he has received. Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are among the clubs also interested in Pogba. If the Bosman transfer was to materialise, then it would unquestionably be one of the most dramatic domestic deals in recent memory. Carlos Tevez moved from United to City in 2009 in a move that at the time caused a major stir. Sol Campbell’s decision to leave Tottenham for Arsenal on a free transfer in 2001 also caused massive controversy.