Manchester United Transfer News: Top Rumours, Latest Players Eyed by Red Devils

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Juventus star Paul Pogba, after the midfielder’s father revealed his son wants to play in a "better" league.

Pogba has flourished in Serie A since departing Old Trafford in 2012 and has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in the world, yet it seems he’s now outgrown the Italian top flight.

The midfielder’s father, Fassou Antoine Pogba, told Spanish television channel Cuatro the possibility of joining Real Madrid is interesting but that the main priority is his son departs Italy (h/t Marco Ruiz of AS, via ESPN FC): "Sign for Real Madrid? Interesting, yes. What we want is that he plays in a better league. He will decide on which team he wishes to play and we are considering that now."

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

If this year’s torrential rumours are to believed, Pogba could essentially choose any club in Europe to call his next home.

However, where the 23-year-old ends up in 2016/17 could well depend on which side can afford to buy him.

And as Manu Sainz of AS revealed in June, Juventus value their star man at an eye-watering €140 million (around £120 million).

Only European football’s elite could afford such a staggering transfer fee, and Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, told reporters he’s open to every possibility, per Tom Olver of Metro: "Paul has to grow. He’s at Juve now, so any transfer must be run past Juventus. I’ve said that he likes Zidane, Real Madrid is fascinating as are Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea and also Juve."

Alessandro Fucarini/Associated Press

So the question is, can United afford to part with £120 million for a player they let go for free just four years ago?

Pogba is undoubtedly a hugely talented star, but it’s safe to say that kind of cash could give manager Jose Mourinho the licence to improve his squad in all areas.

United need reinforcements at the back, a fresh outlook in defensive midfield and possibly another new striker to join new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front—and that’s what Mourinho should be focusing on.

Elsewhere, the Red Devils hope to confirm the capture of Henrikh Mkhitaryan by Sunday, per Mike Keegan of MailOnline.

The report stated United are closing in on the Borussia Dortmund midfielder and should have the transfer over the line sooner rather than later.

Manchester United are suddenly looking like a team to be feared. With some world-class assets at their disposal and a manager who simply lives for silverware, the Red Devils have all the ingredients for success.

Mourinho’s attention must turn to making United’s back line impenetrable, and it would be far from a surprise to see more defenders head to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on August 31.