How Juventus could line up with Paul Pogba

Juventus are reportedly closing in on an agreement with Manchester United for the signing of Paul Pogba.

The speculation surrounding the France international's future has continued to gather pace in recent months, with Juve, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan all linked with his services.

However, according to L'Equipe, the Italian champions are putting together the finishing touches on a deal for the 2018 World Cup winner, who has been on the sidelines since December with an ankle injury.

Pogba made 178 appearances for Juve during his first spell at the club between 2012 and 2016, winning four Serie A titles in the process, before returning to Old Trafford.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Maurizio Sarri's side could line up next season if they manage to complete a deal for the 27-year-old ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Sarri is expected to largely stick with a 4-3-3 formation next season, and it would be a surprise to see Pogba line up in any position other than the left-sided spot in central midfield.

Juve's middle three is expected to have a very different look next season with Miralem Pjanic and Aaron Ramsey both being linked with moves away from the club.

Chelsea's Jorginho is thought to be a leading target, while Rodrigo Bentancur has developed into an important figure for Sarri and could feature alongside the Blues midfielder and Pogba.

Pogba contributed 34 goals and 40 assists in his 178 appearances during his time with the Old Lady, while he enjoyed a strong season for United last term, scoring 16 times and registering 11 assists in 47 outings.

The World Cup winner would be expected to both create and score next season, and the thought of him operating on the left behind Cristiano Ronaldo will surely be enticing for the club's fans.

Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa could also be part of Sarri's first XI for the 2020-21 campaign, while there are not expected to be many changes at the back, with perhaps the only talking point being who starts alongside Leonardo Bonucci as both Matthijs de Ligt and Giorgio Chiellini are in contention.

Marcelo had been strongly linked with a switch to Turin, potentially as a replacement for Alex Sandro, but the Brazil international recently ruled out a summer move from Real Madrid.