Manchester United transfer news: Paul Pogba running out of options for move away from Old Trafford

The Frenchman remains 'desperate' to leave Old Trafford

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Friday 19 July 2019 07:10 BST
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Manchester United train in Australia on pre-season tour

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Paul Pogba is now facing up to the prospect of staying at Manchester United, with Paris Saint-Germain likely his only option left if there is to be a move this summer.

The French star has been “desperate to leave Old Trafford” as he feels the club are incapable of challenging for the top honours. Although he is open to a move to either PSG and Juventus, Real Madrid remains his top choice.

The midfielder has long targeted a move to Spain for his prime years, and many close to him believe that he would have already joined Barcelona or Madrid in 2013 had it not been for their refusal to meet the demands of his controversial agent Mino Raiola.

Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane has been intent on picking up that interest that summer, but the club initially prioritised other areas and it is now seen as impossible to raise the funds it would take to sign the Frenchman without a major sale.

The price United would want is ultimately the major stumbling block, as they would not countenance a deal for less than £150m. While some members of the coaching staff don’t think it would be the worst idea to sell Pogba, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is keen to keep him and has thereby set such a high price.

Juventus are unwilling to meet that cost which leaves PSG, whose own transfer strategy is entirely dependent on whether Neymar stays or goes to Barcelona.

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