Manchester City have reportedly knocked back the option to sign Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in the summer.
According to a report from Daily Star, Manchester City had been offered the opportunity to sign Paul Pogba this summer. The Manchester United midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, and his super-agent Mino Raiola had offered him to United’s cross-town rivals City for the upcoming season.
However, Manchester City have rejected the chance to sign the Frenchman. It was the same response they had given to the Manchester United midfielder’s agent when he had first approached the Citizens almost four years ago. But Pep Guardiola had no intention of signing Pogba at the time and has since maintained that stance.
Formerly of Juventus, Pogba has endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford since rejoining Manchester United back in 2016. His progress in England has been marred by a series of injuries, while the midfielder has also lacked form and consistency in his performances, primarily due to a lack of identity.
With the Frenchman seemingly falling out favour, the Red Devils have no intention of offering him a new deal at Old Trafford, especially following the appointment of Erik ten Hag as the new Manchester United manager.
Manchester United are targeting various options in the market that can replace Pogba in the years to come. One of ten Hag’s desired targets is Frenkie de Jong, even though Barcelona have no interest in parting ways with the Dutch international.
Manchester City were curiously in the market for de Jong as well, earlier this year. But the move did not materialise as Xavi Hernandez was hell-bent on keeping hold of the former Ajax starlet.
There is no secret that Pep Guardiola is in the market for a new midfielder this summer, in light of Fernandinho’s impending departure at the end of the season. But it appears the Manchester City does not rate Pogba highly given his inconsistencies in the Premier League, coupled with his questionable injury record.
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Manchester City have instead set their sights on younger alternatives including Pogba’s compatriot and national teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. The AS Monaco starlet is one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe right now and could prove to be a far more logical addition to the Manchester City setup next season.
