Manchester United have identified Paul Pogba as their final transfer target and are pulling out all the stops in order to sign the French midfielder from Juventus. They are now willing to sacrifice one of their star midfielders in an effort to coax the Italian Champions into letting Pogba go.
Paul Pogba is reportedly ready to join Manchester United but Serie A Champions Juventus are not willing to let one of their best players leave the club. The Red Devils have offered a transfer fee between €80 million to €120 million, but Pogba has a contract with Juventus till 2019 and the Italian champions have set an astronomical asking price in order to ward off his suitors.
Manchester United have remained persistent in their efforts to sign Pogba though, despite Juve remaining steadfast in their desire to hold on to the player. They are now willing to offer I Bianconeri 28-year old midfielder Juan Mata as well as cash for the Frenchman, according to Steve Bates of the Sunday People.
Juan Mata is one of the most respected and loved players in the dressing room, as well as being a fan favourite at Old Trafford. The Spaniard registered five assists and scored nine goals for the Red Devils last season, including netting the crucial equalizer in their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. However the speculation surrounding his departure from the club had reached new heights since the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho was the one who sold Mata to Manchester United in January, 2014 for a massive £37.1 million. The Portuguese manager had several issues with Mata’s defensive work-rate and his inability to track back to protect the defence. Things have not changed between the pair, as the player and his representatives are reportedly seeking assurances over Mata’s future at Manchester United.
If the Spaniard were to join Juventus he would have to fight for a place in the midfield with Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and their new arrival from Roma, Miralem Pjanic. Mata is a great play-maker and has the ability to pick out a penetrating pass and get attacks going. This could possibly make him heir to the deep-lying playmaker role that was vacated by Italy legend Andrea Pirlo.
The exchange would suit both Manchester United and Juventus, but would probably also include a hefty transfer fee as well if the latter are to let go of Pogba.
