City’s back-up plan as Pogba battle turns to war
M.E.N. Sport reveals the six players the Blues have in their sights if former United star chooses a move to Madrid or Paris
PAUL Pogba only gave glimpses of his true potential as his Juventus side were given a masterclass by breathtaking Barcelona in the Champions League final.
But the 22-year-old Frenchman remains the hottest property on the transfer market this summer with Real Madrid and Paris St Germain scrapping it out with City.
Barcelona are also letting it be known that they would like Pogba to stay with Juventus for at least six months until their transfer ban is lifted, and the ferocity of the competition is apparent.
City football director Txiki Begiristain was at the final in Berlin, but the Blues did not need to watch him in action to make up their mind that he is the ‘crack’ player manager Manuel Pellegrini craves. But getting hold of the world’s elite players is tough, especially when the top Spanish clubs, are involved.
So City have a plan B to reinforce a midfield that has already lost Frank Lampard and James Milner, and will see Yaya Toure another year older.
The names on that shortlist are known only to a small coterie of the top brass at the Etihad, but M.E.N. Sport knows some of the names that have been discussed: sive player, someone who breaks up play, but he has far more to his game than that, and would be a perfect foil to Yaya Toure. THE Slovakian star has hit double figures in goals in nine of the last ten seasons for Napoli, not bad going for a midfielder in Serie A. Talented and well-rounded, he may be too attackminded or what City need. REAL Madrid are touted as favourites to land Pogba, and if that happens, Khedira could be the odd man out. City would be mad to ignore that possibility, as he is a defensive midfielder with a great pass and awareness.
THE Monaco midfielder be an ideal partner to Pogba, as his destructive tendencies would allow the French ace free rein. His agent says City are already in touch, and would be a big asset regardless of other signings. ONE of the unsung heroes of the Premier League, a man who has made over- achieving Southampton tick in the last few seasons. Another who is more than a defensive midfielder. A SUPERB display for West Ham against City last season underlined his ability – plus he could be available relatively cheaply from Barcelona, and qualifies as a home-grown player from his time at Arsenal.