Manchester United Transfer News: Paul Pogba Offer Made, James Rodriguez Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly lodged an offer for former midfielder Paul Pogba this summer in a bid to lure their former charge back to Old Trafford. Plus, James Rodriguez reportedly favours a move to United if he leaves Real Madrid.

Duncan Castles reported for One World Sports that Juventus are "open to the sale" of Pogba, adding United and Paris Saint-Germain are the two clubs to have made firm bids for the player.

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Pogba left United on a free transfer in 2012, an oversight on the Red Devils' behalf that may well go down as one of the biggest transfer blunders in the modern game, considering the Frenchman's powers today.

Castles' report mentioned Barcelona may no longer be competition in the hunt for Pogba as their priorities lie elsewhere, but the obstacles in re-signing Pogba are still numerous. Football writer Nooruddean has highlighted one of the most significant:

Aside from Pogba's €80 million (£61 million) price tag, United will also face a monumental challenge in convincing him to leave the reigning Serie A champions for a team that will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season.

In the four years since leaving Manchester for Turin, Pogba has gone on to establish himself as a worldly force, and OptaPaolo recently put his 2015-16 season achievements into context:

On paper, the 23-year-old would perhaps be United's perfect signing this summer, too. Simon Jones for the Daily Mail reinforced reports saying Michael Carrick will leave the club this summer, and Pogba stands as precisely the type of high-energy, leading box-to-box figure the Red Devils need.

Although an offer has reportedly been made, Pogba may see Old Trafford as a destination he'd rather avoid or perhaps even remain with Juventus until a better option arises.

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There is more positive news in the race for Real's Rodriguez, however, after ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney cited sources close to Los Blancos who said Old Trafford would be the winger's preferred destination.

Competition could be rife in that transfer duel too after Spanish newspaper AS reported PSG are bidding to tempt the Colombia international to the French capital, per Sport Witness:

Rodriguez endured a mixed 2015-16 campaign under axed manager Rafa Benitez and replacement Zinedine Zidane, and the Daily Star's Marc Williams also reported Rodriguez's wife, Daniela Ospina, wishes to remain in Madrid.

"I'd rather stay here," she said. "Madrid is a lovely city. I feel very comfortable speaking the same language is something that helps. Also, you can eat very well."

Real have struggled to fit Rodriguez in their lineup with Gareth Bale alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and United can feel confident knowing they're firmly in the running should he leave.