Manchester United’s pursuit of Paul Pogba, 23, appears to be drawing to a close with French newspaper, L’Equipe, reporting that a deal of £105m has been agreed with Juventus.
It makes Pogba the first £100m man, with the fee easily surpassing those paid by Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Ed Woodward, the United CEO, missed the club’s trip to China where they will face Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup, to finalise the transfer.
The summer has been dominated by the French international’s future. It was a permanent backdrop to Euro 2016 where the midfielder played a pivotal role in his country’s run to the final. Real Madrid were the first club to make a move, wooing his agent Mino Raiola.
It proved to be to no avail as United swooped. They have agreed terms with Pogba on a £220,000 per week five-year deal and will pay Raiola a staggering £18.4m for his role in securing the transfer. United have proven to be a lucrative destination for the Italian, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 28, also a client.
Four years after leaving for less than £1m in compensation, Pogba is set to return to Old Trafford as one of Europe’s most coveted players.
Since moving to Turin, he was won four consecutive Serie A titles, as well as two Coppa Italia and Supercoppa winner’s medals. The 2015 Champions League final defeat was the only sour point as Barcelona outplayed Juventus in a 3 – 1 victory.
Expectations will be high that the midfielder can inspire United to similar success in the Premier League.
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