Paul Pogba

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2921226/wayne-rooney-hopes-paul-pogba-completes-return-to-manchester-united

Having also holidayed in Miami and Los Angeles this summer, Saturday saw Pogba at the famous Wet Republic pool party at MGM Grand among thousands of other revellers, where superstar DJ Calvin Harris was the headline act.

Pogba was joined by his France and Juventus team-mate Patrice Evra, while his agent, Mino Raiola, worked on the finer details of his £100m transfer.

The pair were accompanied by friends and other partygoers at their luxury cabana - boasting its own private plunge pool - which costs upwards of $10,000 per day.

Pogba offered no significant update on his pending move to Old Trafford, which sources close to the deal have told Sky Sports News HQ is nearing completion, and is expected to be finalised before the Premier League season begins.

When asked by SSNHQ's Andy Burton whether the deal was close to being concluded, Pogba would only say "we'll see".

However, sources at Old Trafford told Sky Sports News HQ late on Sunday night that the deal is now virtually agreed in principle between the two clubs, with personal terms also close to being confirmed between the player and Manchester United.

Yet the finer details of both aspects of the transfer - including payment of Raiola's fee - are yet to be resolved, with negotiations set to continue this week.

Pogba was due to return to Miami after his weekend in Las Vegas, however it is unknown whether he then travels to Turin or flies straight to Manchester from the United States.

Socrates · August 1, 2016

Wayne Rooney hopes Paul Pogba wants to return to Manchester United

http://www.football-italia.net/88615/report-man-utd-have-pogba-deal

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney thinks Paul Pogba has "unfinished business" at the club as talks continue over a world-record move to Old Trafford.

Pogba, 23, left United when his contract expired four years ago and signed for Juventus, with the Premier League club only receiving a compensation payment of around £800,000.

Now he is on the verge of signing for Jose Mourinho's side with ESPN FC sources indicating a fee of €120 million has been agreed, and the move is set to be completed in the coming days -- though agent Mino Raiola has denied any deal is in place.

Pogba made just three Premier League appearances for United under Sir Alex Ferguson, but Rooney knows from training sessions how much ability the France midfielder has.

"I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he's a top-class player. If he is excited to play for us, we'll be excited to have him back," Rooney told the Daily Mail.

"I'm sure he'll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.

"He was one of those players who, when you trained against him, somehow he would just hurt you. A knee in your side, bump into you, I don't think he meant to do it, but it just happened.

"You didn't even need to get into a tackle. Just go next to him and you'd find an elbow or some other sharp bit. So, if he comes, I'm looking forward to that again!

"But he had great ability, some of the things he could do, and he's gone up a level since he left us."

Socrates · August 1, 2016

Report: Man Utd have Pogba deal

http://www.juvefc.com/paul-pogba-united-well-see/?

Manchester United have come to an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Paul Pogba, say reports in the UK.

The Frenchman's market saga continues unabated, and the consensus seems to be that an official transfer will be announced in the coming days.

In the meantime, the British site of SkySports.com is running the line that Juventus and Manchester United have found an agreement for the sale, and that the terms for the deal have been set.

An agreement with the player is also said to be almost complete, while there are some details still to be ironed out with regards to agent Mino Raiola's commission.

Socrates · August 1, 2016

Paul Pogba: ‘United? we’ll see’

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2655147-manchester-united-

Paul Pogba’s transfer to Manchester United could be completed this week with only a few minor details left to be resolved.

The ongoing transfer saga was thought to have been finalised over a week ago but reports from Sky Sports UK suggest there are still elements of the deal that require negotiation.

The French midfielder is currently on holiday in Las Vegas and been decidedly non-committal on his future.

When quizzed by Sky about a possible return to Old Trafford, Pogba responded “We’ll see.”

Sky also suggest that their ‘sources’ have confirmed that the deal is ‘virtually agreed in principle’ between Juventus and United and personal terms between Pogba and The Red’s are close to being confirmed.

According to Sky, the main issue between the two clubs remains the payment of agent Mino Raiola’s fee which is reportedly in the region of £25m.

Pogba and French teammate Patrice Evra are scheduled to report to Juve’s Vinovo pre-season training camp on 7th August.

Socrates · August 1, 2016

Manchester United Transfer News: Paul Pogba

Responds to Fresh Red Devils Rumours

transfer-news-paul-pogba-responds-to-fresh-red-devils-rumours?

http://www.football-italia.net/88620/rooney-pogba-prove-greatness-man-utd

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba was enigmatic when recently quizzed on whether he would be completing a mega-money return to Manchester United amid rumours he's "preparing to fly to England" to seal a move.

The France international is currently holidaying in Las Vegas and replied when asked by a Sky Sports reporter if he was poised for a move back to Old Trafford (h/t Kevin Palmer and Mark Critchley of the Irish Independent), saying: "We'll see."

Red Devils supporters will at least take some comfort in the fact Pogba's response was anything but the dreaded "no," and in fact, it may have hinted the transfer could be close to completion.

Metro's Chris Winterburn noted the midfielder's brief response dredged up memories of another playmaker who was once long linked with a move to United:

As noted by Palmer and Critchley, one of the major stumbling blocks withstanding is understood to be the fee Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, will take from the transfer.

Speculation recently intensified after American fan Max Schilling posted a picture with Pogba to his Instagram account, where the player signed Manchester United balls and allegedly spoke on his mammoth transfer.

Schilling's caption referenced a "$130 million (£98.6 million) transfer fee," which would appear to match up with recent reports regarding how much it would take for Juve to consider selling their star back to United.

Four years after leaving the Theatre of Dreams on a free transfer, the route appears paved for Pogba to finally make his way back to Carrington, and Squawka Dave analysed how he might fit in at the club:

Raiola's other high-profile clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, have already moved to United from free agency andBorussia Dortmund, respectively, and Pogba's capture could complete the set.

Sport Witness suggested the Italian media are treating the deal "as done" just days after Juventus signed Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain for £75.3 million, per BBC Sport:

Follow

Sport Witness @Sport_Witness

The Italian media are treating Pogba to Manchester United as done, just a matter of time, a shift in the angle of their reporting.

12:00 PM - 1 Aug 2016

61 Retweets

44 likes

Pogba's reluctance to confirm the deal outright is understandable given the amount of fine details that need ironing out, but some may interpret his ambiguous response as promising, to say the least.

Ibrahimovic also took glee in teasing the media before finally confirming Old Trafford as his next destination earlier this summer, and potential future team-mate Pogba could be taking a page out of the Swede's book.

Socrates · August 1, 2016

Rooney: 'Pogba, prove greatness at Man Utd'

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/08/01/26132252/-?

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney invites Juventus' Paul Pogba: 'He has unfinished business with us'.

As reports continue to follow one another on the 23-year-old's impending move to the Red Devils, the English international chipped in to say he'd be delighted with the move.

“I hope he is going to want to return to United and prove he's a top-class player,” Rooney told the Daily Mail. “If he is excited to play for us, we'll be excited to have him back.

“I'm sure he'll feel there is unfinished business, and it would be a very big statement by the club if they can make it happen.”

While he'd be happy to play with him again, the 30-year-old feels their opponents wouldn't enjoy going up against a player as physically powerful as Pogba.

“The bruises! He was one of those players who, when you trained against him, somehow he would just hurt you. A knee in your side, a bump into you. I don't think he meant to do it, but it just happened.

“You didn't even need to get into a tackle. Just go next to him and you'd find an elbow or some other sharp bit.

"So, if he comes, I'm looking forward to that again! But he had great ability, and he's gone up a level since he left us.”

Socrates · August 1, 2016

The astonishing numbers behind Man Utd's mega deal for Pogba

The France international is set to return to Old Trafford from Serie A champions

Juventus as a result of a transfer involving eye-watering figures.

http://www.football-italia.net/88654/report-pogba-united-today

When it is finally completed after a saga lasting most of the summer, Paul Pogba’s transfer will represent a monumental pay-out by Manchester United. The fact Juventus will receive a world-record fee is just the start of the roll call of mind-boggling numbers involved in the Frenchman’s move.

The 23-year-old is set to become a United player again this week, just four years after leaving Old Trafford for a nominal compensation fee after the expiry of his contract in 2012. Having seen Pogba depart for Italy without a single first-team start to his name, the Red Devils surely can’t have foreseen forking out over £200 million for the midfielder to return to the north-west of England.

Because that is how much this deal will cost United when all is said and done. The £92m transfer fee, which surpasses the £86m Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013 as the most expensive ever, fails to cover even half of the total cost to Jose Mourinho’s outfit.

A large reason for the protracted nature of the deal was the wrangling over which club would be expected to pay a substantial fee to Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola. In a bid to force the transfer through, United eventually accepted that it is they who will fork out the £20m pay-off to the Italo-Dutch ‘super agent’, taking the overall fee to £112m.

And then, of course, there is the player’s wages. While Pogba currently earns around £4m at the Juventus Stadium, he is set to see his salary increase manifold at Old Trafford. His £400,000 per week pre-tax earnings will see him pocket £220,000 after deductions, costing United a total of £20.8m per season.

Over the course of his five-year contract Pogba will therefore command a total of £104m, taking United’s total potential expense during the course of his stay to at least £216m. As such, it sits high in the list of blockbuster deals to have been agreed over recent years, even when taking into account the extraordinary multi-layered packages involving the likes of Bale and Neymar.

Pogba left United four years ago as a young talent with a bright future ahead of him. He will return this week as a four-time Italian champion, one of the world’s best-paid players and the subject of the most expensive operation in Manchester United history.

Socrates · August 2, 2016

Report: Pogba to United today

Aug 2, 2016

Paul Pogba’s long-awaited transfer from Juventus to Manchester United could be officially announced today, reports suggest.

The French midfielder is believed to be close to re-joining the Red Revils, with the transfer fee expected to be a world record.

With the Bianconeri asking for €120m, and Mino Raiola due a hefty commission, the total cost could reach over €140m [£119m].

According to Tuttosport, today could be the day of the official announcement.

Pogba is not the only player set to leave Turin, with the newspaper reporting that Hernanes is of interest to Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg.

Socrates · August 3, 2016

Manchester United Deal For Juventus Star

Set To Be Completed This Week

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/08/manchester-united-

deal-for-juventus-star-set-to-be-completed-this-week/?

http://www.football-italia.net/88702/pogba-will-i-stay-yes

Weeks of reports have dominated the transfer market, but a Manchester United switch for Juventus man Paul Pogba could be completed this week.

Varying amounts of money have been put on the table with regards to what the English Premier League side are willing to pay to bring the French international back to Old Trafford, most recently a stunning €110 million.

Numerous British press reports claim that the 23-year-old’s transfer to United could be wrapped up as soon as Thursday, after he spent four fruitful years in Turin when he departed Manchester in 2012.

It is expected that the Red Devils will pay the predicted €110m sum.

Four straight Scudetti and a Champions League runners-up medal are just some of the things Pogba can boast about achieving while in a Bianconeri shirt, as well as being named in a large number of Teams of the Year for Serie A, UEFA and FIFA.

Striker Paulo Dybala is set to take over as the wearer of the prestigious number 10 shirt.

Socrates · August 3, 2016

Pogba: 'Will I stay? Yes'

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/08/video-pogba-says-he-will-stay-at-juventus/?

Manchester United target Paul Pogba answered 'Yes' to a supporter asking him whether he'd stay at Juventus.

The Red Devils are expected to pick up the Frenchman for €110m. Although an official deal has been rumoured to be imminent for weeks now, the Pogboom saga is still ongoing.

The latest gossip bite to make the rounds of the media is a statement released by the player himself in New York, although hardly in an official context.

Approached by two fans who asked him to sign a football, Pogba was asked the question: “Will you stay?”

“Yes,” answered the 23-year-old in a video published by Italian Football TV, and then when asked specifically if he meant at Juventus, he again answered, “yes”.

Socrates · August 3, 2016

VIDEO: Pogba Says He Will Stay At Juventus

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10521681/paul-pogba-is-

Despite reports that he will complete a move this Thursday, Juventus star Paul Pogba has said he will not join Manchester United in a video.

The English Premier League side are expected to pay €110 million for the French international’s services, and even Pogba’s agent had admitted last week that a transfer would be completed in the coming days.

However, in a fan video, Pogba is seen signing autographs and then responding to a question about the United link with a confirmation that he will play in Italy next season.

Socrates · August 3, 2016

Paul Pogba is worth the £100m Man Utd

are ready to pay for him, says Phil Neville

worth-the-163100m-man-utd-are-ready-to-pay-for-him-says-phil-neville?

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/08/03/26194502/-?

Sky Sports News HQ understand Pogba's world record £100m transfer to United is nearing completion and is expected to be finalised once the Frenchman returns from holiday in the United States.

The 23-year-old left United on a free transfer in 2012 after not being given what he felt were enough first-team opportunities by Sir Alex Ferguson and joined Juventus, where he has won the Serie A title in each of his four seasons at the club.

Now United are ready to shatter the world transfer record set by Real Madrid when they paid Tottenham £85.3m for Gareth Bale to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford.

When asked it would be money well spent on Pogba, Neville told Sky Sports News HQ: "I think so. I think you are getting one of the best midfield players in the world.

"I think you are getting someone who is not going to dominate a game on the ball like a Xabi Alonso or a Paul Scholes but is going to go from box to box.

"His physicality is always something that has stood out. Even when he was younger at the academy at Man United, he was always bigger than everybody else, he was always quicker than everybody else, he was always more powerful.

"He will give the Man United midfield that power and that stature that I think they have missed for the last two or three seasons."

This Premier League season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory - a fact which illustrated by the fact that reigning champions Leicester City are only seventh favourites to win the title.

Neville is not sure seven teams will be in the title mix next May but he does believe it will be much more than a two-horse race.

"Seven is probably stretching it. I don't think there will be seven [teams involved in the title race] but I do think there will be probably three, four, maybe five," Neville said..

"I think this Premier League, this season is probably going to be the best on and off the pitch because you have got the head-to-heads with the managers and obviously the 11 versus 11 on the pitch.

"Teams are recruiting well. The financial backing is there to go out and get the best players in the world.

"If you look at Man United as an example, to go from fifth to being a Premier League winner is difficult but the recruitment that Jose [Mourinho] has done already suggests they will be challenging for the title.

"It looks like Pep [Guardiola] at Man City is just beginning to flex his muscles in the transfer market so they will be there or thereabouts.

"So I think Man United, Man City and I think Liverpool will be there or thereabouts. As a Man United fan, Jurgen Klopp worries me a little bit. He is a good manager.

"And I have got a sneaky feeling for Tottenham again. I am a massive fan of Pochettino. He is doing the right things there. He has got a stable, solid squad and I think they will continue to improve."

Socrates · August 3, 2016

WATCH: Pogba to snub Man Utd?

Midfielder tells fan he's staying at Juventus

The transfer saga surrounding the midfielder continues to go on but he has

told a fan that he will stay at Juventus. Was he serious? Judge for yourself...

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/manchester-united/story/2923321/rio-ferdinand-

Paul Pogba has had a lot of fun in recent weeks, teasing fans and media alike with his constant cryptic social media posts as the uncertainty surrounding his future grows.

The 23-year-old is expected to make a world record move to Manchester United from Juventus before the close of the transfer window, with the Red Devils set to seal a €110 million deal for him.

The midfielder, though, has taken advantage of the constant delays in the transfer and has dropped hint after hint after hint about his next move as the transfer saga rolls on.

However, the France international has turned everything upside down during his holidays, having told one supporter he is going to stay put this summer.

Pogba was heading into a hotel when he stopped to sign a fan's ball and, when asked if he was staying at Juve, he told him "yes".

Was he being serious? It's hard to tell!

Volgen

FrSerieA @FrSerieA

La vidéo qui fait parler aujourd'hui, Pogba, filmé à son insu, qui annonce à des juventini qu'il reste à la Juve.

15:37 - 3 augustus 2016

508 retweets

172 vind-ik-leuks

Socrates · August 5, 2016

Rio Ferdinand: Man United must 'get

Paul Pogba in whatever it costs'

says-man-united-must-get-paul-pogba-in-whatever-it-costs

Aug 4, 2016

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says his old club will not be paying an inflated asking price if they hand over £100 million to bring Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba back to Old Trafford.

"It doesn't matter what anyone says about the fee Juventus are getting for Paul Pogba because that is the going rate for a player of his quality," Ferdinand, now a pundit for BT Sport, told ESPN FC.

"It wasn't long ago that people said United were not spending enough, so I say go with it and get Pogba in whatever it costs."

United are widely reported to be close to signing Pogba in a world-record deal, four years after the French star left the club for nothing following a contract dispute between his then manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his agent Mino Raiola.

Pogba's lavish price tag has been the subject of much conjecture in recent weeks, with critics suggesting the midfielder, who was part of the France team that reached the Euro 2016 final last month, is being sold for an extravagant price.

Yet Ferdinand is convinced the deal makes perfect financial sense for United, as he believes the player, who may soon be wearing a red shirt once again, has the potential to be a shining star in the game for years to come.

"The money Man United bring in from a variety of sources means they can justify this kind of transfer, so it is not a crazy deal from their perspective," he said.

"You are investing in massive potential here. This player could be the best midfielder in world football for the next 10 years and if he was to spend those years at United, then it would be a good investment to buy him now."

Ferdinand believes sporting brands of United's vast magnitude now consider a variety of factors when they make a big-money move for a player of Pogba's stature, as he claims the huge social media reach the French midfielder can command on his Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts plays a part in the decision to have over a record sum for his services.

"What you have to remember is football clubs look at a transfer like this on a variety of levels now," said the six-time Premier League title-winner Ferdinand.

"First of all, he has to be a good player, but they also weigh up whether the guy they are spending all this money on can enhance their brand.

"When I got into social media a few years ago and starting telling everyone about Twitter, they thought I was a bit weird, but I could see where it was going.

"Now, social media is everywhere and United will look at the kind of following Pogba has on his Twitter and Instagram accounts and they will want a bit of that.

"Pogba is a brand in his own right and that will encourage United to try and get him. He is also a great player so it will all make sense all round from their perspective."

Ferdinand went on to offer some reflections on his experiences working with a young Pogba as he came through the ranks at Old Trafford, as he warned the more mature 23-year-old midfielder will need to be managed carefully by United manager Jose Mourinho if the move is completed in the coming days.

"I was at United when Pogba was there a few years back and he is a kid that will need to be handled correctly," Ferdinand added. "He is a bit of an extrovert off the field and doesn't always do things in a conventional fashion, but there is nothing wrong with that if he is producing the goods on the pitch.

"I have heard people say he could be the new Roy Keane for Man United, but he is no Keano, let me tell you. He is a very different kind of personality when you compare him to Roy, but we can all see the talent he has got and that is why United are trying to get him back now.

"None of us could believe it when the club allowed him to leave United, but something went on with Pogba and the club over his contract and that can happen in football sometimes. It looks like an expensive mistake now, but United have to accept it for what it is if they want him back."

United and Juventus have yet to make any public comment on a possible deal for Pogba, with the future of the Frenchman set to be crystalised when he returns from his holiday in the United States in the coming days.

Socrates · August 5, 2016

Selling Paul Pogba Hands Juventus a Chance to Evolve and Improve

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2654868-selling-paul-pogba-

hands-juventus-a-chance-to-evolve-and-improve?

http://www.football-italia.net/88807/ferdinand-pogba-not-about-money

It seems it is simply a matter of when, not if, Paul Pogba joinsManchester United. All summer long, talk of the France midfielder returning to Old Trafford has raged on relentlessly, despite repeated but cryptic denials from both the player and his agent, Mino Raiola.

Follow

Mino Raiola

✔@MinoRaiola

Journalist = parrots
No deal done between Clubs
Its a game between Italy press and UK press who announce it first and who is worse.

5:44 PM - 29 Jul 2016

9,232 Retweets

5,339 likes

“No deal done between clubs,” the representative tweeted on July 29, while also insulting journalists for racing to “announce it first.” That came the day after it was reported by Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) that a €110 million (£93.3 million) transfer was merely hours away from being announced.

While it is clearly just part of the manner in which such high-stakes modern transfers are conducted, it has detracted from the superb summer Juventus have already had on the market.

The likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves, Miralem Pjanic and MedhiBenatia have been added to a squad that was already well-stocked, meaning that the Bianconeri will thrive even if Pogba does move on.

That matter was discussed at length in this previous post, but there are also distinct tactical advantages to be had in a side without the 23-year-old. In his absence, coach Massimiliano Allegri would arguably have even more licence to be creative in terms of team selection and formation.

There is little doubting Pogba’s ability, but as UEFA Euro 2016 proved, he also needs a specific formation around him if he is to shine. At Juve, he was almost exclusively fielded on the left of a three-man midfield, a position from where he could decide how best to influence a given match.

0f7b9efcfba1a8b439a5b5c217f1cdc6_origina

lineupbuilder.com

His running on the ball, shooting and passing all appeared markedly better in that role, with the graphic above showing the position Pogbawas most often deployed in over each of the past two seasons.

Last season, following the exit of Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra’s constant injury woes—the latter suffering a series of knocks that limited him to just 13 Serie A appearances—Pogba was often the most attack-minded midfielder in Allegri’s starting XI.

3f59c270a2a316f169ed3d693b657649_origina

WyScout

The Pjanic signing means that is no longer the case. Figures fromWhoScored.com show that only nine players in Italy’s top flight managed more passes per game than the Bosnian midfielder during 2015/16.

Indeed, his average of 65.5 passes per outing was more than any current Juventus player last term, while the Squawka.com graphic below shows that his tally of 80 chances created was also higher than each of his new team-mates.

627f1e6de2e4610f9616e03c12793a54_origina

squawka.com

Chances Created 2015/16

His ability to retain the ball and split open defences with creative passing marks him out as a special player, a fact not lost on Allegri when he discussed the acquisition of the former AS Roma star with SkyItalia (h/t Football Italia) last month:

Pjanic’s arrival is that of a major player.

He gives us a lot of solutions, especially on set pieces. He improves the quality of our midfield, something that isn’t easy for a great team likeJuventus.

Pjanic is one of the few players who can do it. Now it’s up to us to give him the best conditions to express himself.

He can play in front of the defence, but also in the middle or attrequartista. I'm pleased the club made such an effort to get him.

The other important addition in terms of tactical flexibility is MarkoPjaca, who arrived from Dinamo Zagreb following an impressive campaign of his own.

According to Juve’s official website, they paid a fee of €23 million for the Croatia international, recognising his vast potential and swooping in early to sign the 21-year-old.

A fleet-footed winger, he had already showcased his ability in the Champions League, with WhoScored showing he created 0.7 chances and completed one dribble per game in four 2015/16 appearances.

Also connecting with 75.2 per cent of his passes, his displays earned notable praise from Pep Guardiola after his Bayern Munich side won 2-0 in Zagreb. “I know that Dinamo have a very young side,” the coach told a post-match press conference. “I think [Ante] Coric and Pjaca are exceptional talents, and they will definitely have big careers.”

The video above shows that the new Juve man can deliver on the highest stage, putting Spain to the sword at this summer’s European Championship. Helping Croatia to a famous 2-1 victory, WhoScoredfigures show that he completed an impressive seven of eight attempted take-ons, leaving a string of defenders chasing shadows as he cut in from the left wing.

Predominantly right-footed, Pjaca is happy to play anywhere in attack, as he explained in a recent interview. “I mostly play behind strikers, as offensive midfielder, or winger,” he told Calciomercato.com's Federico Albrizio. “I’ve also played as striker but it is not a decision that I have to take. I play wherever the boss tells me to and I always want to do the best to help my team.”

Such versatility will be yet another bonus to Allegri as he looks for ways to field Pjaca and Pjanic alongside the likes of Claudio Marchisio, SamiKhedira, Mario Lemina, Kwadwo Asamoah, Stefano Sturaro and even Rolando Mandragora.

Back in January, Juventus announced they had signed the 19-year-old from Genoa, and they can expect him to help shield the defence should he earn playing time in the first team next term.

“I’m a midfielder who loves to be on the ball a lot, I have good technique but I also carry out defensive tasks,” Mandragora said on theofficial website of the Italian FA last year. “My role model would be a player like Thiago Motta. I always try to give 100 per cent for the team.”

22f7a35a5a21001b38a497c14e1b6fef_origina

lineupbuilder.com

With that vast collection of midfield talent, Allegri will have no end of options, with the graphics above and below looking at four possible alternative formations using a variety of those players.

The 4-3-3 system would be particularly appealing if Juventus are able to bring Juan Cuadrado back from Chelsea, something director generalBeppe Marotta indicated he was keen to do when speaking toMediaset Premium back in May.

5f8d6b52f76e9abb5bd845ea7dca3732_origina

lineupbuilder.com

“We will soon set an appointment with Chelsea to understand their intentions regarding Cuadrado,” the club official said (h/t FootballItalia), and it is a move that would make much sense for theBianconeri.

With Pjaca on the left and the Colombia international dancing down the right flank, Juve would be able to field a side featuring real attacking width for the first time in many years, something that could help them immensely in the Champions League.

Whatever happens elsewhere, the Old Lady already has a fully laden quiver of midfield options, providing Allegri with a chance to evolve and improve his side even if Pogba doesn’t want to stick around to help.

Socrates · August 5, 2016

Ferdinand: 'Pogba not about money'

http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/english-football/2016/08/05/26243872/-?

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand believes Paul Pogba would only leave Juventus 'to become the best player in the world'.

The deal for the transfer of 'France's golden nugget' to the Premier League was reported as imminent more than a week ago, but rumours are still ongoing.

“I speak to Paul, I know him,” Rio Ferdinand told the Independent. “He’s someone for whom it’s all about football. It’s not about money. The biggest thing for me and my own family wasn’t the money, it was: ‘What’s Giggsy like? What’s Keane like?’

“Paul’s like that. He loves football. It’s all about improving and being the best. When he left I asked him why and he said: ‘I want to be the best player in the world.’ He’s on the right track. He’s not there yet.”

The 37-year-old believes that at this point in the negotiations, the Red Devils must sign Pogba to avoid a psychological blow to the squad.

“As a player in the changing room, you’ve been thinking for so long: ‘He’s coming, he’s coming’. If he doesn’t sign, it could have an adverse effect mentally on the players in the changing room. For a short period of time at least. It’s important they sign him.”

It's been repeatedly pointed out that, having allowed the 23-year-old to leave the club as a youngster, signing him back for €100-110m was hardly a good deal.

“Of course it isn’t, but, listen, when Chelsea sold [Nemanja] Matic and bought him back for £20m-plus it was the same. It’s bigger than that but it’s still a loss.

That’s the way it goes. When he comes it’s just going to be down to the black and white: Will he perform? Will Manchester United win trophies?

“That’s how you get judged. People were saying when I went there that £30m was too much but then we started to win and people now look back and think ‘you know what, it wasn’t that expensive’.

“When you can say you’ve won six Premier League titles in 12 years, it’s okay. If he goes there for £100m and in 10 years he wins five titles and earns £100m worth in shirts sales, you’ll say ‘well done, good business.’

“Players don’t hold deals up, they either want to go or they don’t. It’s not the players, it’s the details between the clubs that’s the problem. His personal terms with the club would have been sorted, if they’ve spoken, all them things will be agreed. It’s just about the clubs agreeing little details.”

Socrates · August 5, 2016

Mourinho: Man Utd doing everything to sign

Pogba before Premier League starts

The Juventus midfielder is on the verge of a move to Old Trafford, and the Portuguese

is keen to land the Frenchman before they head to Bournemouth on August 14.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/4160/extra-time/2016/08/05/26254522/-?

Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United are "doing everything" to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus before their Premier League season starts.

The French midfielder has been the subject of this summer's most compelling transfer saga, but United are on the verge of completing a £112 million deal to bring the former Old Trafford youngster back to the club.

And speaking ahead of Sunday's FA Community Shield clash with Leicester City, Mourinho reiterated the club's desire to finalise a deal before United's opening Premier League fixture at Bournemouth on August 14.

"I don’t like to speak about players from other clubs. Other managers like to do that, they like to speak about my clubs, and about my players. Pogba is a Juventus player until officially he isn’t so we stay like this.

"The market closes on August 31 but my club is trying to do everything to close the market by the August 14," he told reporters.

Socrates · August 5, 2016

Drake delighted as Pogba gives him a Juventus shirt!

The Canadian rapper took a photo next to his idol in the middle of the ongoing transfer

saga involving Manchester United, proudly showing off his new clothing.