The word used by the Daily Express to describe the latest Paul Pogba saga is “stunning”, which is more than one can say of the football he produced for Manchester United this year.
According to the paper Jose Mourinho has decided Pogba hasn’t got a future at Old Trafford and he is angling for a swap deal with Barcelona that would see Ivan Rakitic head to Manchester.
Citing Spanish outlet Don Balon as its source, the Express claims that Mourinho is “desperate to land Rakitic”, despite the fact that at 30 he is five years the senior of Pogba.
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But the Special One allegedly feels his relationship with Pogba “is beyond repair” and he’s told the United board that it would be in the club’s best interest if they offloaded the Frenchman this summer. Don Balon claims Barcelona are “tempted on the swap deal” and it could be concluded before the World Cup.
United ready to pay £79m for Bayern star Costa
Meanwhile The Sun claims an exclusive with its report that United are "ready to pay the £79m required to land Douglas Costa”.
The 27-year-old Brazilian winger joined Italian champions Juventus on loan from Bayern Munich last summer and he’s been a hit in Turin.
Juve, who paid Bayern £7m last year, have an agreement in place with the German club whereby they can make the deal permanent by paying an additional £33m.
That is by no means certain with Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri prioritising central midfielders in the summer transfer market.
If the club feels they can’t afford to buy Costa then the Sun claims United will seize the opportunity to bring in the South American, even though they will have to meet Bayern’s asking price of £79m.
Fred will decide future after the World Cup
As for Fred, one of Costa’s Brazilian international teammates who has also been linked to United, Metro reports that he will decide his future after the World Cup.
Rumours emerged earlier in the week that the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder could be on his way to Old Trafford in a £50m-plus deal, but Fred has since announced: “After the World Cup I will make the choice. Now I am only thinking about the World Cup.”
Juve keen to keep Sandro
Talking of messages, there’s been one from Juventus concerning United’s pursuit of Alex Sandro, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The Brazilian left-back is a target for the Red Devils, but Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has told the Italian media that they are still confident they can persuade the 27-year-old defender to sign a new deal.
“We will meet next week with his representative and I think there’s a desire to extend the contract,” Marotta said.
