Manchester United have entered a bidding war with Real Madrid as they bid to bring France’s midfield star, Paul Pogba, 23, back to Old Trafford.
A bid of £80m was tabled making the Red Devils the only club to match Juventus’ valuation of the player. Real Madrid, already in negotiations with the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, have been left reeling by the news.
Raiola left the Spanish giants shocked with salary demands for €13m per year. Real were prepared to go to €8m and the talks broke down.
Juventus would prefer to sell to Real, with the possibility of realising add-on clauses worth €20m if the Spaniards win the Champions League again. United though, are keen to bring the French international to the Premier League and are not quibbling over Juventus’ fee.
It’s understood that Pogba has reservations about a move back to Manchester but is keen to work with Jose Mourinho. A €90m move to Chelsea last season when Mourinho was in charge, fell through as Pogba wants to sign with a club which possesses genuine history rather than being backed by new money.
Madrid is his preferred destination, with United unable to match the allure of Real’s recent Champions League wins and indeed, not in the competition next season. It’s an obstacle which Mourinho is encountering more frequently this summer as he seeks to rebuild the once-great club.
Read all transfer ins and outs, completed deals visit football transfer news.
