Manchester United have been informed that it will cost them 60 million pounds ($100 million) to bring French midfielder Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford, according to Birtian’s Daily Star. Juventus are hoping the astronomical price tag will scare off the Red Devils.
Pogba was a part of Manchester United’s youth academy and made three appearances for the senior team. In 2012, he shocked many by refusing a new contract with the club and signed a deal with Juventus. Sir Alex Ferguson was not impressed saying: “It is disappointing. I don't think he showed us any respect at all, to be honest. I'm quite happy that if they [footballers] carry on that way, they're probably better doing it away from us.”
Pogba went on to enjoy success at Juventus. He’s won two Serie A titles, and received the Golden Boy award for best under-21 talent in Europe. His versatile abilities to move between defensive and attacking midfield have made him an integral part of the side and one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
Now Louis Van Gaal wants to bring him back to United. The Dutchman has reportedly added him to his list of targets that the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will pursue prior to Van Gaal returning from his international duties with the Dutch team.
Juventus are hoping that the staggering price tag will deter Woodward from pursuing the deal. But United are in crisis mode and have reportedly given their new manager 200 million pounds to use in the transfer market.
United were greatly lacking in midfield last season and Pogba is the latest in an array of top European midfielders they’ve been linked to, such as Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Muller, and Arjen Robben to name a few.
Alexis Sanchez can also be added to that list. According to The Daily Express, United are interested in meeting Barcelona’s 25 million pound valuation for the Chilean.
Previous reports had indicated that Sanchez had agreed to terms with Pogba’s club Juventus. But it seems as though Barcelona cannot get the Italian giants to agree on a price. United are planning to capitalize on the roadblock and swoop in for the creative winger.
Sanchez had enjoyed relatively successful years at Barcelona and has put in impressive performances, always looking dangerous on the wings. But the Catalans new boss Luis Enrique wishes to reshape the club after a dismal campaign last season in which they registered no silverware. Fabregas is leading the clear out as rumors continue to circulate of his imminent move to Chelsea, and Sanchez is set to follow.
Previously, Liverpool were heavily linked with the winger but have apparently lost interest. United may have to compete with Tottenham for his signature and they no longer have the trump card of Champions League football to beat out their Premiership rivals. Van Gaal’s ability to lure players will be tested this summer.
Finally, Diego Costa’s move to Chelsea seems all but done. The Daily Mail reported that a Chelsea source said, “Chelsea have made an offer to Atletico Madrid in compliance with the buyout terms in Diego Costa’s contract, and Chelsea have been advised that the player has provided notice to Atletico Madrid invoking the buyout clause and directing the club to accept Chelsea’s offer.
“Chelsea looks forward to entering into formal transfer documentation with Atletico Madrid as soon as possible so that the player can concentrate on the World Cup.”
Diego Costa himself gave the clearest indication after Spain’s 2-0 victory over El Salvador where he told reporters, “'Am I going to Chelsea? It looks like it.”