According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Paul Pogba is set to ignore interest from Newcastle and Barcelona to join Juventus in a £30m deal.
What’s the story?
Well, the World Cup winner will be leaving Manchester United when his contract expires in June, and it was said that Newcastle were eyeing a move.
Elsewhere, Sky Sports claimed that Xavi wanted the Manchester United No.6 at the Camp Nou.
Now, however, Eddie Howe will need to prepare himself for disappointment, as Pogba is closing in on a return to Turin.
Mokbel believes the France international will sign a three-year contract with Juventus, although Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, and have no intention of giving up.
PSG are set to make one last offer, which could derail the 29-year-old’s return to Juventus, although Mokbel adds that Pogba’s move to the Allianz Stadium is close regardless.
So far this season, the £290,000-a-week man has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, scoring one goal while also providing nine assists.
Newcastle & Barcelona shouldn’t worry about Juventus
If Juventus want to take a gamble on Pogba, then that isn’t something Newcastle or Barcelona should be too jealous about.
Yes, the Frenchman is a fine footballer, although it has been years since he enjoyed a productive, successful season following a period of stagnation at Old Trafford.
Therefore, a £30m outlay on a free agent represents a fairly big gamble for Juventus, one which could backfire tremendously.
In our view, Juventus should’ve only offered Pogba a one-year contract, just so Massimiliano Allegri can see if the Frenchman is still what he used to be.
On the evidence of his last few campaigns at Manchester United, he is far from that player.
Nevertheless, keep an eye on this saga, as there could still be a late shock involving Newcastle, Barcelona or PSG.
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