Mino Raiola: Paul Pogba Wants Manchester United Exit Amid Transfer Rumours

Paul Pogba wants to leave Manchester United this summer, his agent Mino Raiola has confirmed.

The France international midfielder has been subject to intense speculation since the end of the 2018-19 season, and both Real Madrid and Juventus have been linked with a move for him in the transfer window.

Speaking to Paul Hirst of The Times, Raiola said he is doing what he can to broker a move away from Old Trafford for his client.

"Everyone within the club from the manager to the owner knows Paul's wishes," he said. "Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that. Everyone knows what the feelings of Paul are." 

"Raiola's comments will not be received well by Solskjaer, who said upon becoming United manager last season that he intends to build his team around Pogba," said Hirst. "Solskjaer had planned to offer Pogba the role of vice-captain this season in an attempt to persuade the France international to remain at the club."

According to Hirst, the Red Devils are considering other midfield options. They are reportedly interested in Newcastle United youngster Sean Longstaff, while manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is noted to be a fan of Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes.

Leicester City defender Harry Maguire is also said to be on the club's agenda despite the Foxes having turned down a £70 million bid for his services.

While opinion is divided among supporters on Pogba, United would lose a significant amount of productivity if he left.

Squawka Football summed up the attacking influence he had on the team last season:

When he's playing well, Pogba's technical skill, invention in possession and physical gifts make him a challenge for any opposition.

What's been frustrating for United supporters is his inconsistency. The former Juventus man is capable of taking a match by storm, although he's as likely to let a game pass him by.

Speculation has been building in regards to a possible exit since the end of 2018-19, and he said last month that this summer "could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else."

Adam Crafton of the Daily Mail thinks the transfer saga may yet turn ugly: 

Pogba still has two years remaining on his United contract, so the Red Devils are not under any pressure to sell for a knockdown price. However, as the club starts a new era under Solskjaer in earnest in 2019-20, having a player who wants out within the squad is far from ideal.

Both Pogba and his agent have now made it clear that a transfer would be preferable in the coming weeks, and there will likely be plenty more said before there's closure on the matter.