PAUL POGBA is refusing to sign his new contract at Manchester United it’s been claimed – as he hopes Juventus will come back in for him in January.
It was thought that the France midfielder would stay long-term at Old Trafford after putting behind him his problems of last season.
Paul Pogba could stall Manchester United pay talks as he seeks a move to Juventus in JanuaryCredit: PA:Press Association
But with the indication that Juve may go back in for him in the new year, he could stall pay talks to see if that comes to fruition according to reports in Italy.
Pogba, 27, has forged a fantastic partnership with £55million signing Bruno Fernandes, helping United to the semi-finals of the Europa League and third spot in the Premier League.
It was hoped he would pen a new contract keeping him at the club until he is 32.
His agent Mino Raiola indicated just last month that Pogba would be staying as he declared: “Pogba is staying at Manchester United and I think they want to extend his contract.
“He is at the centre of an important project, they will not accept any bid for him this summer.
“We will negotiate for an extension very calmly, without stress. We will continue our talks.”
But the latest reports suggest he still has an eye on a return to Juve.
During Pogba’s troubled 2019/2020 season he was sidelined by injury in September.
Just when he seemed set to return he announced in January he would undergo an ankle operation.
During that time his agent talked up a move away from Old Trafford.
But he returned in style in June and played a key role in United’s surge into the top three, sparking rumours that he would sign a new long-term deal.
CUT PRICE DEAL
The £89m buy is out of contract in a year but United have an option to extend that by another season.
However, Italian newspaper TuttoSport claim he is now waiting to see if the Turin outfit go back in for him in January when his contract has run down further.
They could then well get Pogba for a much cheaper fee.
Pogba had a great relationship with Andrea Pirlo, who has taken over as boss at the Old Lady.
United had wanted £120m for their star man last summer.
But that figure could more than halve by June 2021.
The prospect of losing Pogba, currently recovering after contracting Covid-19 in France in August, is a hammer blow to boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He was starting to build a team capable of winning the title next season.
It has been seven years since United last won the Prem crown.
Man Utd star Paul Pogba and Spurs ace Ndombele test positive for coronavirus and omitted from France squad
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
