Manchester United

Manchester United 'to open Paul Pogba contract talks'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 April 2019

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to open contract talks with Paul Pogba as the speculation linking the midfielder with a departure gathers pace.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to open contract talks with Paul Pogba in a bid to fend off interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Pogba has a contract with United until the summer of 2021, while the Red Devils also have the option of a 12-month extension, effectively meaning that he is tied to the club until 2022.

Talk of a move to Spain has gathered pace in recent days, though, with Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, reportedly assuring the Frenchman that he will secure a move to Barca or Real Madrid this summer.

Earlier this week, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that he had held talks with the 26-year-old over his future at the club.

According to The Sun, United are now ready to open contact talks with Pogba, but the 2018 World Cup winner wants a £500,000-a-week deal in order to commit his future to the 20-time English champions.

Pogba has scored 14 times and registered 11 assists in 39 appearances for his club this term.

That said, the academy product has been unable to prevent Solskjaer's side from losing three of their last four matches in all competitions.