As the possibility of a deal for Paul Pogba still hangs in the balance, Manchester United have set their sights on his compatriot Moussa Sissoko.

Moussa Sissoko may not have had the best of seasons, with Newcastle being relegated and France losing the final of the European Championships to France. But, due to his exceptional performances at the Euros, Newcastle have slapped on a £35 million price tag on the player.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Newcastle United player Moussa Sissoko celebrates after scoring their third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St James' Park on January 1, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Newcastle United player Moussa Sissoko celebrates after scoring their third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St James’ Park on January 1, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

It was reported earlier that Paul Pogba would prefer a move to Real Madrid rather than Manchester United. However, a few weeks later, Madrid withdrew  from the race to sign the Frenchman due to financial reasons, and have turned their attentions to Valencia star Andre Gomes. This opens up the possibility of Pogba staying put at Juventus rather than move to England.

In June it was reported that Chelsea had joined the race for Moussa Sissoko, who was courting interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, and his fee at the time was reported to be around £20 million. It was rumoured that the midfielder would prefer a move to Liverpool rather than Arsenal, stating earlier that he did not want to play in Championship, and was looking for a move away. It is yet to see how these clubs will react to an increased price tag, but since the culmination of the Euros, Sissoko has found another potential suitor in the form of Manchester United.

The Newcastle midfielder is eyed as a backup by the Red Devils, in case the move for Pogba falls through. Le10 Sport claim that Juventus are also joining the race for the midfielder. The Biaconeri are likely to lose Pogba this summer, and have seen Sissoko as an able replacement. But, Sissoko has said that he wished to stay in England as he believes that the style of the English game suits him. This puts Manchester United at an advantage if they wish to bring him to Old Trafford.

Sissoko vs Pogba Comparison [Via squawka]
Sissoko vs Pogba Comparison [Via Squawka]

The 26-year-old has shined for his side at the Euros and emerged as one of Les Bleus’ finest players. Even though he is not at Pogba’s level, his familiarity with the English game, experience and his price tag would present a viable option for Jose Mourinho’s side. He can be deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, an attacking midfielder, or even as a holding midfielder.

However, when the two are compared, Pogba outshines him in nearly every aspect of the game. The Juve enforcer has scored 8 goals to Sissoko’s 1, and has provided 5 more assists. Defensively too, the former Manchester United man comes out on top.

But, it can argued that Pogba is surrounded by quality in the Juventus ranks which helps bring the best out of him, and that is something that Newcastle can’t come close to matching. Mourinho has a fantastic record as he has helped bring the very best of his players, and he may be the man to help take Sissoko to the next level. At the age of 26, a step up from Tyneside may be the right thing for Sissoko to do at this stage of his career, as he looks to challenge for trophies and establish himself in the French national team.

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