Manchester United Transfer News: Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi Plan Amid Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wants to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi as well as Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

That’s according to ESPN's Miguel Delaney (h/t Lee Astley of the Sun), who has reported that despite the fact the latter could cost a whopping £100 million, Matuidi is also on the club’s list of targets. Astley noted Mourinho “wants both players to join his red revolution that could see up to eight players sold.”

United could reportedly meet resistance from Juve in their pursuit of Pogba, though. Calciomercato’s Fabrizio Romano (translated by Edo Dalmonte) reported that the Italian champions consider Pogba and defender Leonardo Bonucci as “untouchable," and the only way they will each be allowed to move is if they agitate for a transfer themselves.

“So far, this doesn't seem very likely,” continued Romano. “Despite being offered €13 million (£11.5 million) a season by [Mourinho’s] Manchester United, [Pogba] has always spoken fondly of Juventus.”

Indeed, as reported by Paul Hirst from the Times, Juventus are reportedly ready to offer the Frenchman a new contract, while his agent, Mino Raiola, has played down talk of a possible transfer:

The speculation surrounding Pogba is likely to make for the transfer saga of this summer. Here is a look at why there is so much hype when it comes to a potential move to the Premier League:

The Frenchman left United in 2012 in search of first-team football. It’s something he found at Juventus, as well as a platform to become one of the standout midfielders in European football.

Last term especially, he excelled. Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri gave Pogba more responsibility, and in turn, the Frenchman's rumbustious performances at the crux of the Juventus team drove the Bianconeri to another title. They’re the kind of displays that have made fans of every football club in Europe envious.

At the UEFA European Championship, Pogba had a tournament of ups and downs, although Sport Witness doesn’t feel as though it should be a basis for judgement of the player:

Indeed, although there would be question marks over his consistency and the transfer fee should this deal go ahead, plenty of United fans wouldn’t be too concerned. Pogba, after all, would be a significant upgrade on the club’s current midfield options and has the potential to be the team’s linchpin for many years.

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Getting Matuidi in would be a bonus, especially after Mourinho stated there would only be four major signings this summer, with Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan already on board.

While Pogba failed to perform to his best in the final of Euro 2016, as Portugal downed France in extra time, Matuidi was one of the standout players for Les Bleus. Indeed, football writer Andy Brassell thinks the PSG midfielder could make a huge difference:

He may not be as attractive in possession as someone like Pogba, but Matuidi has grown into an elite midfielder at PSG.

The 29-year-old can do a bit of everything. Defensively he is switched on, able to cut out danger with his sharp anticipation and unrelenting energy. Matuidi is also a threat going forward, capable of breaking lines with his turn of pace and bustling past opponents with his burly frame.

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Although Pogba and Matuidi didn’t function particularly well as a midfield pair at the Euros, the Guardian’s Daniel Harris would like to see both players targeted:

If it was to be one or the other, there’d be disappointment for those tied to the Old Trafford club if it was Matuidi instead of Pogba. The latter is on an ascent in his career, and regardless of whether he’s worth the obscene sums being bandied around, he is a world-class player in the making.

Matuidi would potentially be a fine supplement, and he possesses the traits needed to thrive in English football. With time to form chemistry alongside Pogba, he could potentially form the basis of a brilliant new-look midfield for the Red Devils under a manager capable of bringing the best from each player.