Transfer Talk: United unlikely to offer Pogba new deal as Real wait in wings

Manchester United are not planning to offer Paul Pogba a new contract.

Pogba, 28, has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Old Trafford and could finally be set to leave for the second time next summer. 

The World Cup winner returned to United in August 2016 for £89million — a world record fee at the time.

But Marca report the Frenchman is preparing to move on a free at the end of the season — setting up a potential repeat of his exit in 2012, when he joined Juventus for nothing. 

Pogba enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, assisting four of United's five goals against Leeds on the opening weekend. 

But a lack of consistency has caused concern among the United hierarchy, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer willing to lose Pogba at the end of the campaign. 

And Spanish giants Real Madrid are confident they can lure the former Juve man to the Bernabeu. 

Manchester City close in on De Jong

Manchester City are reportedly closing in on Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch international, 24, joined the Catalan giants in 2019 but the club's current financial crisis could see them cash in.

The Sun claim City are keen to tie up a deal for a player they see as an ideal replacement for Fernandinho.

And a fee of around £75m would be enough to tempt Barca to part company with De Jong, particularly as Raheem Sterling could be part of a potential swap deal. 

New boss Xavi is said to be reluctant to let De Jong leave but club president Joan Laporta knows funds are desperately needed. 

In other news

Newcastle are keen to sign Inter Milan duo Marcelo Brozovic and Stefan de Vrij, report The Times.

The Telegraph claim Tottenham boss Antonio Conte wants Everton keeper Jordan Pickford, with England's No1 being a potential successor to Hugo Lloris. 

French outlet Foot Mercato state Paris Saint-Germain are keen to land AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

Jesse Lingard has not ruled out a move away from Manchester United in January, according to Sky Sports.