Manchester City are considering a controversial move for Paul Pogba, according to sensational reports.
Pogba is currently a free agent after his Juventus contract was terminated by mutual consent off the back of his doping suspension being reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal in October.
He was banned after testing positive for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) – a compound which promotes the production of hormones in the body including testosterone.
The World Cup winner has expressed delight about being able to resume his playing career, which he can do in March, and he has been linked with a number of moves.
But on Saturday, Miguel Delaney of The Independent reported that City are contemplating making a move to sign Pogba.
City, who have just one win in their last ten games, have been incredibly light in midfield this season and see Pogba as a potential option.
Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the Frenchman and in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba has gone on record to admit that City were interested in signing him prior to returning to Juve.
But Pogba, who had two spells at rivals United and memorably scored a brace for the Red Devils in a 3-2 comeback win at the Etihad Stadium, is believed to be reluctant to head back to Manchester and even England on the whole.
After an £89 million move in 2016, Pogba made 226 appearances for United, winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League. He left on a free in 2022 and returned to the Bianconeri but made just seven appearances in a nightmare spell.
Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Paul Pogba. Image: Getty
His last appearance as a football came against Empoli back in September 2023 prior to his doping ban.
Though there have been links to the Saudi Pro League but it’s understood that Pogba, 33, still has hope of playing at the top level and is interested in proposals from Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga.
In a recent interview, former United star Louis Saha claimed he has heard a rumour that Pogba will start training with United in January and urged Premier League clubs to try and sign him.
“When I look at Pogba, I think that many teams in the Premier League would find signing him as a free agent an attractive proposition,” Saha told Casino Utan Spelpaus.
“Forget about the salary, I’m sure Paul is ready to find a compromise on that as he wants to play football again after such a long time on the sidelines.
“When I think about Pogba, there are more positives with signing him than there are negatives. All the top clubs in the Premier League should see signing Pogba on a free transfer as an amazing opportunity. That’s how I see it.”