Just when we thought that Manchester United’s transfer business would be unusually straightforward for once, along comes Paul Pogba and a potential world record move.
After fairly speedy and hassle-free deals for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the much vaunted move for Pogba has been far more complex and protracted.
But it does appear as if it is still edging to a successful conclusion for all parties with Sky Sports reporting today:
Sky Italia reporter Valentina Fass says Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is in advanced talks with Manchester United but negotiations over agents’ fees could hold up the deal…
Pogba seems open to a move and the fact that Juventus have shelled out almost £75.3m to complete a deal for striker Gonzalo Higuain, would suggest that they are banking on the money that Pogba’s move to Manchester United will bring in.
But the deal could still hinge on Manchester United’s desire to pay the massive agent fees that Mino Raiola is about to bank.
It has been widely reported that Juventus have told Manchester United that they must foot the entire Raiola bill, said to be somewhere near £20m, if they want to complete the deal.
With the player seemingly keen on a move, the biggest danger to Manchester United could now be if Real Madrid wade into the argument.
If Madrid did make a last ditch bid for the player, Pogba may well fancy a move to Spain over a return to England.
It’s going to be a tense few days for Manchester United fans but we do expect this one to come to a conclusion over the next few news cycles.