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Paul Pogba suggests a return to Manchester United is possible
The French midfielder described United as his “first family.”
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
The transfer story that continues to dominate the headlines is Paul Pogba’s supposed return to Manchester United. The Juventus midfielder -- who swapped the north of England for the north of Italy back in 2012 -- has reportedly discussed personal terms with United chiefs. New boss José Mourinho is keen to make the 23-year-old his side’s marquee summer signing, and now, Pogba has hinted that he’d be open for a return.
Speaking to ESPN Deportes, the Frenchman described United as his “first family.” Per ESPNFC:
When the 23-year-old was shown a United shirt, he initially joked “I don’t know this one.” He then described his former club United as “my first club, my first family.”
After being asked what he would do if United manager Mourinho called, he replied: “My response would be ‘I don’t know.’ I don’t know when. We will see. For the moment, I am here [Juventus] and I am happy here. I don’t know where I want to go.”
Of course, that statement is far from definitive, but it’s perhaps telling that Pogba stopped short of ruling out a move this summer. It is clear from United’s business so far this season that the appointment of Mourinho has given them a boost in pulling power after a disappointing few seasons, and they’ve already confirmed they’re interested in adding another player before the transfer window shuts. This is certainly a space to be watched.
In the news
Antonio Conte has been officially unveiled as Chelsea manager. (Chelsea FC)
Paris Saint-Germain have appointed Patrick Kluivert as director of football. (PSG)
Bournemouth have signed Liverpool youngster Jordon Ibe. (AFC Bournemouth)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is subject to an ethics probe. (BBC)
West Ham star Dimitri Payet has insisted he is going nowhere this summer. (ESPNFC)
Red Bull Salzburg defender Andreas Ulmer accidentally took to the field in a Red Bull Leipzig shirt. Easily done. (Eurosport)
You should be reading
Lucia Chinaleong’s René Higuita retrospective. (Unusual Efforts)
Dominic Fifield’s recap of Antonio Conte’s impressive introductory press conference. (Guardian)
Bobby Gardiner’s analysis of the state of Swansea City. (The Set Pieces)
From the rumor mill
Please don’t take anything in this section too seriously, for your own sanity.
Mario Götze could be about to complete a return to Borussia Dortmund. (TZ)
Juventus are likely to pip Arsenal to the signing of Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuaín. (Football Italia)
Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli could sacrifice a once-promising career with a big-money move to China. (Mirror)
Bayern Munich starlet Joshua Kimmich could reunite with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. (Daily Mail)
Swansea City striker Bafétimbi Gomis is soon to complete a move to Marseille. (BBC)
Middlesbrough’s Spanish revolution is set to continue, with Antonio Barragán and Álvaro Negredo arriving. (Guardian)
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