Manchester United: Pogba deal nearing completion; Moyes eyeing rejects; Brazilian wanted

By Sam Leveridge

Reports are suggesting that a move for Paul Pogba is nearing completion now, with all details of the deal agreed between Juventus, Manchester United and Pogba and his representatives. The Telegraph are also reporting that he has dropped his biggest hint yet that a deal is almost complete, by signing Manchester United shirts with “Pogba 6” on the back whilst on holiday in the United States.

Jose Mourinho will be hoping that the deal will be tied up soon as his side prepare for the new Premier League season. After Zlatan Ibrahimovic got off to an impressive start in his first game in a United shirt, Mourinho will be hoping that Pogba is joining up with his teammates sooner rather than later to try to gel as much as possible before the season gets underway.

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With the deal sure to be an expensive one, it is quite convenient that former boss David Moyes is said to be planning a raid for some of his former favourites while he was in the Old Trafford dugout, with the two main targets, Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj, not figuring in Jose Mourinho’s plans for the coming season, claim the Mirror.

Moyes is believed to be keen to take both players to the Stadium of Light on permanent deals, but with such an operation estimated to cost at least £45 million, he may have to settle for a compromise and sign only one, most likely Fellaini permanently. Fellaini and Moyes are a match made in heaven, having teamed up at Everton and in Manchester, and the Belgian perfectly suits the new Sunderland boss’ style of play.

For United, selling Fellaini, who is not wanted by Mourinho, is a priority this summer. Their only concern with this news may well be that Fellaini will be keen to reunite with his former boss, but Sunderland are unlikely to be able to offer the best financial package if other teams are interested.

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That could mean a potential loan move for Adnan Januzaj. The 22-year-old has not developed as hoped, with question marks over his attitude, but Moyes believes that he is the man to get the best out of the youngster who was one of the few highlights of his brief spell as manager of Manchester United.

A loan will also suit the Red Devils, who retain some hope that he may develop into a player capable of reaching the top level. They have, however, been disappointed by his performance in training, and his loan spell in Dortmund, so they see this season as the last chance saloon for the young winger.

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Mourinho is also keen to add to his defence, with Brazilian right back Fabinho set to replace Napoli bound Matteo Darmian, claim the Manchester Evening News. Mourinho worked with him previously at Real Madrid, and shares an agent with the 22-year-old, who has been in impressive form at Monaco after signing permanently after a two year loan spell came to an end last season.

Fabinho would undoubtedly bring attacking qualities to Manchester, with eight goals scored from full back last season, but it remains to be seen if his defensive qualities will be enough to withstand the rigours of the Premier League. Should the two clubs be able to agree a reasonable fee, it may well be a sensible investment from United, but such a move looks like it will be a gamble.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Rúben Farfán.