Manchester United transfer news: Paul Pogba 'interested' in return as Mino Raiola demands 'project'

The Juventus midfielder is United's primary summer transfer target

Mark Critchley
Wednesday 13 July 2016 15:05 BST
Comments
Pogba must be convinced by a compelling 'project', says agent Raiola
Pogba must be convinced by a compelling 'project', says agent Raiola (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paul Pogba is interested in returning to Manchester United, according to reports in the Spanish press, but will only leave the club for a compelling ‘project’.

The Juventus midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Real Madrid, has been identified as United’s primary summer transfer target by Jose Mourinho, the club’s new manager.

Pogba was thought to prefer a move to Madrid, whose interest has cooled since it emerged that Juventus may demand as much as £100million for the player.

According to Marca, however, Pogba is willing to swap Turin for Manchester, with Los Blancos the only other club he would consider.

Mourinho attempted to sign Pogba last summer during his second spell at Chelsea and Mino Raiola, the 23-year-old’s agent, has admitted he wanted his client to move to Stamford Bridge.

Raiola, who represents Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, two of United’s three summer signings so far, also laid out the ‘project’ that United must offer Pogba if he is to sign.

"Last year, when the bid came in, I really wanted him to go to Chelsea. It didn't happen but this year we will see,” he said.

"Juve do not want to sell him and there is a chance for us to talk about a new contract. He feels no need to leave.

Mourinho: I am where I want to be

"But if you come with a project that will make Paul want to leave, we'll talk with the club."

Pogba was previously on United's books as a youth player from 2009 to 2012, when he left for Juventus on a free transfer.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in