Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Paul Pogba over a bumper new contract to convince the midfielder to stay.
The World Cup winner, 26, still has two years left on his Old Trafford deal. United also have an option to extend that by another 12 months. However, The media reports indicates that the Red Devils’ hierarchy have already contacted the Frenchman’s representatives about a new longer-deal package.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer views Pogba, currently on £144,000-a-week, as a key man in his plans to transform the fortunes of the fallen giants. The star also pockets around £6.5m-a-year in image rights and loyalty payments.
But he would expect to see his salary rocket up even more should he commit his future to United. Pogba publicly expressed his desire to leave in the summer, and admitted after the 4-0 opening day win against Chelsea there is still a “question mark” regarding his future at Old Trafford.
It was understood that the ex-Juventus ace was keen on a move to Real Madrid – with French compatriot Zinedine Zidane desperate to bring him to the Bernabeu. Pogba, who also expressed his desire for a “new challenge” this summer, is still wanted by Madrid and his former employers Juve are also keen.
But United hope that Solskjaer’s plan to make him central to rebuilding the club will convince him to stay. Pogba is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and missed the 2-0 defeat at West Ham on Sunday.
He has previously spoken of his admiration for Madrid boss Zidane and continues to be linked with a switch to the Galacticos. Since rejoining United in 2016 from Juve he has played 139 times for the Red Devils.
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