Date published: Tuesday 26th March 2019 7:01
POGBA DETERMINED TO QUIT UNITED
Paul Pogba has apparently decided he wants to quit Manchester United this summer. Just like he had before the last transfer window, and the one before that.
The most interesting aspect of this latest report from AS is not that Pogba wants to go, but the reason they have given for his decision to seek a move to Spain or Italy. Apparently, the midfielder reckons “he has completed what he set out to do at United and is looking for fresh challenges”.
The bloke obviously lacks a bit of self-awareness, but not even his goals could be set so low. Pogba has won the League Cup and the Europa League since returning to Old Trafford in 2016, since when most of his time has been spent driving his manager and a large swathe of supporters up the wall with his infuriating inconsistency.
Still, it seems Pogba has done enough to earn himself a move to Real Madrid or Juventus, or at least secure a hefty pay-rise. This summer, the 26-year-old will have two years remaining on his contract and United’s bargaining position will be considerably weaker if this rumbles on into next season.
GUNNERS FANCY HERRERA
United have perhaps already left it too late with Ander Herrera. The Basque midfielder is approaching free agency and he admits his future at Old Trafford is in serious doubt.
PSG have been most prominently linked with the 29-year-old but the Daily Mail claims Arsenal are sniffing too having “registered an interest” in the player. Herrera is said to prefer to stay at Old Trafford but, having established himself in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first XI, the former Athletic Bilbao star is expecting his weekly wage to be bumped up from £80,000 to closer to £150,000.
SPURS AND ARSENAL EYE AJAX DEFENDER
Until Arsenal are sure of their place in the next season’s Champions League, the club will continue to hope for the best while planning for the worst, which involves shopping for bargains this summer.
Valued at £15million, Nicolas Tagliafico could be classed as such. The Argentina left-back has had a hugely impressive season at Ajax since joining from Independiente for £3.6million a year ago and the 26-year-old has caught Arsenal’s eye.
They are not the only ones. The Sun claims Tottenham are equally keen on Tagliafico, and Barcelona are hovering too.
AND THE REST
Zinedine Zidane has made Kylian Mbappe his primary target this summer and may offer around £240m… Sadio Mane is also a priority for Real Madrid… Neymar is in talks over a PSG contract extension… Juventus, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and PSG are all in the hunt for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane… Tottenham are make a move for Ivan Perisic but Inter MIlan want £30m… Barca will consider selling Samuel Umtiti this summer, with Man Utd interested.
