Manchester United Transfer News: Paul Pogba Ponders Exit, Sergio Ramos Latest

Paul Pogba departed Manchester United for Juventus in 2012 under something of a cloud and with Sir Alex Ferguson's accusations of disrespect ringing in his ears.

It seems now, though, that United might have a chance of bringing him back.

Pogba has become one of the world's most exciting central midfielders, and the Red Devils are reportedly planning a £61 million bid for him, per La Stampa (h/t the Metro's Hannah Duncan). 

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While a return to Old Trafford for the Frenchman in the current transfer window seems unlikely, Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, is not ruling out a summer switch.

"He recently signed an extension with Juventus and he wouldn't have done so if he wasn't comfortable there," Raiola told Sky Sport Italia (h/t David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com). "Will he leave? We'll see in July."

As Raiola mentions, the 21-year-old Pogba recently extended his contract at Juventus to 2019, per The Guardian.

In other words, if United want him, they will have to splash the cash, 

The Red Devils showed last summer that they are prepared to spend big to sign world-class players—see the £59.7 million paid for Angel di Maria—and Pogba could take United's midfield to a whole new level.

He is an impressive physical presence with fine passing skills and an ability to score phenomenal goals, and he terrorises opposition defenders.

As B/R UK's Sam Tighe outlines below, he is well on the way to becoming the world's best central midfielder.

At 21, he is likely to only improve, with his value set to go up accordingly:

Louis van Gaal would do very well to snap him up in the summer, even if it will cost the club £60 million or more, as he could become one of the world's best players for years to come.

While Pogba remains a potential option for United, defensive target Sergio Ramos appears to be slipping away as he looks set to stay at Real Madrid.

Bruce Archer in the Daily Star recently reported that the Spanish centre-back was close to renewing his contract at the Bernabeu despite United’s interest.

Now comments from Real boss Carlo Ancelotti seem to indicate that is indeed the case, per Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan, following recent reports that negotiations had stalled between club and player per Spanish television station Cuatro (h/t Marca): 

Ramos is most certainly a top-quality defender and has been a huge asset at Real since he joined them in 2005, not least when scoring the crucial equaliser against Atletico Madrid as Los Blancos won the Champions League final back in May.

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He continues to be a key part of the Real setup and has started 15 of their 18 league games so far this season, per WhoScored.com. At 28 years old, he will likely be performing at a high level for some years yet.

It always seemed unlikely that United would be able to persuade Ramos away from the Bernabeu as Van Gaal looks to reinforce his improving but still inconsistent defence.

Ancelotti's comments have further lessened the chances of any switch materialising, and United will surely now step up their pursuits of other defensive targets, including Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos.