Transfer Centre

Paul Pogba representatives 'hold positive talks with Juventus'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 May 2022

Representatives of Manchester United's Paul Pogba hold positive discussions with Juventus over a return to Turin, according to a report.

Representatives of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba have reportedly held positive discussions with Juventus this week over a potential return to Turin.

The France international's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of June, and he is widely expected to leave the Red Devils on a free transfer for the second time in his career.

Juventus are allegedly the favourites to re-sign the World Cup winner, but Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are still said to be in the race for his signature.

According to Sky Sports News, agents working for Pogba have held positive talks with the Italian giants this week over the possibility of him returning to the club ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

However, the report claims that the 29-year-old has not yet made a decision on his future despite the fact that his contract at Old Trafford only has a little over one month left to run.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba pictured on October 16, 2021 © Reuters

Pogba has not played for Man United since the middle of April, having limped off against Liverpool at Anfield with a calf problem.

The midfielder has been pictured stepping up his recovery over the last few weeks, and it had been suggested that he could yet be involved against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

However, Pogba allegedly has reservations over featuring against the Eagles, as he is fearful of being targeted by Man United's visiting supporters.

As a result, the Frenchman could have played his final game for the Red Devils, with the club reportedly not making him a fresh contract offer since last summer.

Manchester City have been strongly linked with the former Le Havre youngster, but he has allegedly rejected a switch to the Etihad Stadium, as he fears the response of the Man United fans.

The midfielder has made 27 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing one goal and nine assists in the process, but he missed a chunk of football earlier this season with a hamstring issue and is currently out with a calf problem.

Pogba only made seven appearances for Man United in his first spell at the club between 2009 and 2012, which ended with him moving to Juventus on a free transfer, but he has played 226 times for the club since returning in a big-money transfer in August 2016.

During his time with the Old Lady, meanwhile, he won four Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia crowns, representing the club on 178 occasions in all competitions.

Pogba has reportedly been offered a three-year deal worth £6.3m a season to return to Juventus, but the Frenchman is said to be holding out for a contract with an annual salary worth €11m (£9.3m), which could yet price the Old Lady out of a move.