Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Paul Pogba Amid Real Madrid Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly in “serious negotiations” to bring Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford. 

That’s according to AS (h/t Sport Witness), which has stated the Red Devils are seeking to oust Real Madrid in pursuit of the Frenchman.

The newspaper also added that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, is to meet manager Jose Mourinho and club officials to discuss a return to the club his client left four years ago, per Jonathan Green of the Daily Star.

The France international left United in 2012, a move that has been lamented by those tied to the club based on subsequent performances. The 2015-16 term was arguably Pogba’s finest for the Bianconeri; here is a look back at some of his best moments for the club:

Signing Pogba would be costly, and after letting him move on for free, it’d leave United looking a little silly from a financial standpoint. However, they’d be securing one of the best young players in the world.

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For Mourinho, the Juventus star would be a player to forge his United vision around. While there are still unrefined edges in Pogba’s game, he aligns brilliantly with the Portuguese’s blueprint of a team that’s both physical and effective going forward. The 23-year-old blends both aspects as well as any other player in the game.

At the 2016 UEFA European Championship, Pogba has failed to show his best form for France. Indeed, former England international Gary Lineker has been far from impressed with the performances he’s turned in:

But there’s been a lot of expectation on the Juventus man. Ahead of the competition, he was the poster boy for Les Bleus. 

In recent games, there have been signs of the Juventus version of Pogba emerging. He is a man who took time to grow into the club’s iconic No. 10 jersey, but by the end of the campaign, he was bursting out of it.

With some big matches to come for the French national side, starting with Sunday’s quarter-final against Iceland, he could yet thrive on the big stage.

Despite the question marks over his performances, Pogba is still making other unheralded contributions, as WhoScored.com picked up on recently:

That will appeal to Mourinho. The foundations are there when it comes to Pogba, as an all-round midfield man, contributing in defence and attack.

What needs to take his game on to another level is the right kind of guidance; the United manager is capable of providing that should Pogba make the move to Old Trafford.

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Real Madrid are not to be ruled out yet, though, nor a stay at Juventus. Both clubs have UEFA Champions League football to offer next season and are well-placed to challenge for the biggest honours.

With Mourinho appointed and the likes of Pogba targeted, the Red Devils are going in the right direction but are still some way behind.