Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba will reportedly allow his contract to run down and make a decision on his future next summer in a huge blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
Talks over a fresh deal have seemingly stalled and for free given that he was signed for around £85million five years ago, and discussion will likely continue.
However, ESPN report that Pogba is likely to see out the remainder of his contract and will choose his next move in the summer of 2022.
Staying at Old Trafford remains a possibility but there are several clubs who are interested in taking the 28-year-old.
His former club Juventus, from whom United signed him in 2016, are widely believed to be keen on a return.
Speculative rumours linked Pogba with a swap deal including Juve forward Cristiano Ronaldo, which would seal a sensational return to United for the latter.
Ronaldo’s future at the Serie A club was uncertain after a disappointing campaign but rumours of his departure have since simmered.
There are very few clubs worldwide who could afford to sign the 36-year-old, who, like Pogba, has a year remaining on his contract and earns in excess of £350,000 per week.
It means that Pogba could instead choose to sign for Juventus when he is allowed to speak to foreign clubs in January.
Pogba has been a regular starter for United since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in December 2019 and his interest in a departure is not believed to be as strong as it was two years ago.
He played 42 times last season and 26 of those came in the club’s Premier League campaign, which saw them finish second behind rivals Manchester City.
However, a 12-point gap has prompted Solskjaer to improve his squad this summer and Pogba might be enamoured by the arrivals of a few high-profile stars.
United are set to announce the arrival of Jadon Sancho this week after a long-term pursuit of the England winger was finally concluded with a huge £73m transfer.
A medical and the final touches on personal terms are the only parts of the deal that need to be completed.
Solskjaer is also believed to want a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire after having his side’s defensive frailties exposed without the Three Lions international in the final weeks of the season.
Neither Victor Lindelof nor Eric Bailly suitably convinced Solskjaer that they can be Maguire’s long-term sidekick and alternative arrangements are being made.
Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is widely reported to be top of United’s wish list and a £50m move is understood to be moving along well.
Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier has also been suggested as a possible target as Solskjaer seeks competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.