Pogba is touted to Barcelona
PAUL POGBA’S agent is trying to engineer a sensational deal for the Manchester United star to leave Old Trafford for Barcelona. Mino Raiola has been in discussions with the Spanish club over signing the midfielder, two years after he rejoined United from Juventus for £89million. Pogba returned for pre-season
training yesterday after World Cup success with France, and sources close to him say he would be open to a move. United insisted last night that Pogba is not for sale and they are believed to have rejected an opening bid from Barcelona of £44.6m plus two players — Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes. It seems inconceivable that United would let go of their record signing, and Pogba’s camp accept it will be difficult to complete a deal before the transfer window closes. However, the fact that Raiola is touting Pogba to Barcelona — apparently with his client’s blessing — is a worrying development for United after a difficult pre-season, and comes so close to United’s Premier League opener at home to Leicester on Friday. Reports that Raiola had spoken with Barcelona and was set for talks with United over Pogba’s future began to circulate in Spain and Italy yesterday. In theory, Barcelona would have until the end of the month to sign Pogba before the transfer window closes in Spain. However, the deadline in England is 5pm on Thursday, leaving United little or no time to sign someone else unless they intend to replace him with new £52m signing Fred. Pogba’s midfield partner Nemanja Matic is sidelined after abdominal surgery in America. Meanwhile, United remain in talks with Bayern Munich over Germany centre-back Jerome Boateng. Bayern want £50m for the ex-Manchester City star, but United are unwilling to pay more than £40m for a player who turns 30 next month. Mina, Leicester’s Harry Maguire and Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld have been the alternative targets as Old Trafford executive vicechairman Ed Woodward looks to deliver a new centre-back. The deal could hinge on Marcos Rojo leaving United and he has yet to be convinced Everton is his best option.