Paul Pogba nears Manchester United exit as PSG submit contract offer

PSG are reportedly primed to secure the signature of Paul Pogba as he nears his Manchester United exit.

According to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, the Parisians have made a pre-contract offer for the Frenchman who has rejected his present club’s contract advances.

Pogba’s current deal expires in the summer, leaving him free to explore options elsewhere ahead of the season’s conclusion.

The news comes after United were held to a draw by midtable Leicester City on Saturday, all but ending hope of a late push for Champions League qualification.

As a result of their waning options in attack – usually a box-to-box number ‘6’ midfielder – the 29-year-old was fielded in a more forward-thinking role as a second striker.

The increased responsibility in attack failed to have the desired effect, however, with his influence finite before being substituted midway through the second-half.

Pogba’s form and consequent standing at Old Trafford has oscillated since returning from Juventus in 2016 for a then record fee of £89m.

Rumours of his desire to exit the club he secured his first professional contract with have tarnished the six years since the switch, not helped by the North-West club’s equally tumultuous standing as a collective.

As per the same report, the 2018 World Cup winner is thought to favour a reunion with Juventus, with interest from long-time admirers Real Madrid cooling after fellow countryman Zinedine Zidane’s departure.

Time to call it quits for Paul Pogba?

In the studio for Monday Night Football last night, Manchester United’s all-time lead goal-scorer Wayne Rooney offered his opinion on the debacle surrounding his former teammate.

“I think it’s got to a point where it’s probably better for him to move on,” Rooney told Sky Sports.

"“If Paul is honest with himself, he probably hasn’t had the impact he’d have liked since he returned to Manchester United."

"“I watch him for France and he’s a completely different player. The ability, vision and control of the game is always there for France. It hasn’t quite worked at United for him, and there’s a few players they need to let go of.”"

Pogba played alongside the now Derby County head-coach during his first stint with the Red Devils – primarily in the youth setup – and then during Rooney’s final season at the club.

Under then manager José Mourinho, the season in question was symbolic of the peaks and troughs United have endured since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

The Mancunian giants winning both the EFL Cup and Europa League yet finishing an underwhelming 6th in the Premier League. Pogba hasn’t tasted silverware at club-level since.

“There hasn’t been a settled manager there since Sir Alex Ferguson so I think whoever comes in, they need to give them time to build relationships with players,” Rooney added.