Manchester United: Pogba set-back; Newcastle midfielder linked; 17-year-old to be scouted

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There has been another twist in the Paul Pogba transfer saga. Manchester United have been linked with a record-breaking deal for the French international midfielder. However, recent comments made by his agent, Mino Raiola, has suggested that his current club are set to offer him a new contract.

Indeed, despite significant interest from the club he left in 2012, Raiola has insisted Pogba could yet stay in Italy with Juventus planning to offer him an new deal in a bid to end the Red Devils’ advances. Raiola told the Times:

“He is in no rush to leave and Juventus do not want him to go. They want him to renew his contract.

“Paul is not desperate to move. We are very happy at Juventus and they are a club that want to keep their star players.”

This, of course, could be a tactile way of increasing United’s contract offer – a negotiating tool, so to speak. It is believed the package presented by Juventus will include a wage increase to around £130,000 a week, but we all know the Red Devils will be willing to offer almost double to land their man.

Should the Red Devils fail in their attempts to sign the French international, it is suggested that they already have an alternative lined up. Pogba’s current stance has led Jose Mourinho and United to look at other options, with reports in France claiming that one possibility is Newcastle United’s Moussa Sissoko .

The midfielder, who starred for France in the Euro 2016 final against Portugal, wants to leave St James’ Park after Rafael Benitez’s side suffered relegation into the Championship but Newcastle are reported to want £35 million for the 26-year-old.

His display against Portugal in the Euro 2016 final suggests he has the ability to succeed at the highest level, and yet he has not shown this often enough during his time at Newcastle. For Sissoko, it is a case that his attitude thwarts his quality as a player, and he is certainly no Paul Pogba.

Should Manchester United drop their interest in Juventus’ Pogba, and instead make a move for his compatriot, Sissoko, the Old Trafford faithful are likely to be extremely disappointed. The 26-year-old impressed during his time in France, but this will not have been enough to change the supporters’ outlook.

And finally, the Mail say Jose Mourinho has stepped up his interest in West Ham defender Reece Oxford and is willing to pay £10 million for the 17-year-old’s services. The Portuguese head coach has identified the 17-year-old as a key player for the future and will have his scouts watch him at the Under 19 European Championship in Germany.

United are long time admirers of Oxford and have already made strong enquiries about the versatile teenager who has made his reputation as a centre half, but can also play in midfield. He sprung to prominence at the start of last season when he starred for the Hammers in their win at Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

The teenager would be an excellent prospect for the future at Old Trafford, and a likely rotation option for Mourinho ahead of the upcoming season. He has already proven his ability to compete at the highest level, having made seven league appearances under Slaven Bilic last term, and he would offer excellent cover for Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Daley Blind in the centre of defence.

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