Paul Pogba to Man City: ‘Ex-Man United star reacts to shock move from Etihad’
Paul Pogba’s ties to Man United mean he is reluctant to accept a shock move to local rivals Man City, according to The Independent.
According to the outlet’s website on 14 December, Man City have already “sounded out” the Frenchman for a possible move as he is a free agent after leaving Juventus.
The player, though, is reportedly hesitant to move to the Etihad due to his time at their local rivals from Old Trafford. He is also said to have reservations about returning to England altogether.
Pogba recently had a four-year suspension for elevated testosterone levels shortened to 18 months, making him eligible to return to action in March.
Pep Guardiola wants help in Man City midfield missing Rodri
Football insider opinion
A move for the 31-year-old would shock many, considering he grew up supporting United and came through their academy.
However, United recently informed him he could not return to the club to regain fitness. Actions like that could make a move to the reigning champions an opportunity too good to pass up.
Pep Guardiola’s midfield lacks depth, and the club has reportedly targeted Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and accelerated plans for a deal.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in November that City are planning to sign a high-profile replacement for Kevin de Bruyne. The Belgian has only recently returned to the side.
De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he has already held talks about a potential move to Major League Soccer.
With Rodri needing a backup most imminently, Pogba might serve as something of a short-term solution even if he doesn’t fulfil the same profile, but a De Bruyne exit might be more relevant to Pogba longer term.
However, The Independent also report that January recruitment could remain challenging with the looming Premier League hearing hanging over City.
The news emerges as City face United in the Manchester derby on Sunday (15 December) with both sides in relative disarray.
In other news, Man City in talks to re-sign academy product.
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