Manchester United transfer latest: Six potential Paul Pogba replacements as midfielder is wanted by Real Madrid and Juventus

Manchester United transfer latest: Six potential Paul Pogba replacements as midfielder is wanted by Real Madrid and Juventus
Paul Pogba is closing in on a return to Juventus, according to reports.The Manchester United midfielder seemed set to join Real Madrid in his ‘dream move’, but reports are now suggesting a return to Turin could be more likely.

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Paul Pogba could be about to leave Manchester United for Juventus once again

The World Cup winner has agreed personal terms with Juventus over a move back to the Serie A outfit, according to CalcioMercato.com.Reports claim Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici watched France lose 2-0 to Turkey at the weekend and had a meeting after the game with the 26-year-old.United remain keen to retain the services of their record signing, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still keen to build his side around the midfielder.However, should he depart, the Red Devils will have to act swiftly and decisively to replace him while keeping squad disruption to a minimum.

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Paul Pogba left United for Juve in 2012

But who could they get without breaking the bank of a similar quality to Pogba?talkSPORT.com has identified SIX potential replacements for the France international.

Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)

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Christian Eriksen has all the attacking attributes to replace Pogba

According to reports in Monday’s papers, United have already made tentative enquiries about the Dane.By admitting he is ready to leave Spurs, Eriksen will have no doubt alerted plenty of interested suitors.Since his arrival back in 2013, Eriksen has recorded 60 assists and scored 49 goals for Tottenham – often acting as the creative hub for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.His contract in north London runs out next year, meaning Solskjaer could get the 27-year-old at a lower price.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

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The Belgium international controls games from midfield by setting the tempo for his team

Another name that was splashed across the Monday back pages was Tielemans after his productive loan spell at Leicester City.The Monaco midfielder gained many fans for his displays at the King Power last season, averaging almost 50 successful passes a match as the metronome in the Foxes’ midfield.It remains to be seen if the Red Devils can get their business done quickly, with rivals Manchester City also reportedly keen.

Adrien Rabiot (Paris Saint-Germain)

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Adrien Rabiot was attracting interest from Tottenham and Liverpool

Rabiot quickly went from being one of the most highly-rated starlets in the game to a PSG reject.His fall out with Thomas Tuchel in the French capital was nothing short of spectacular and has meant he has been consigned to the reserves since December.The 24-year-old is available for free and, at 6ft 2ins, would provide a powerful presence in the United midfield.

Julien Laurens admits that going to Juventus is an option for Paul Pogba

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)

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The 6″3 midfielder would be perfectly suited to the physical demands of the Premier League

Last summer, the Serbia midfielder was one of the most talked about players and a move to the Premier League seemed inevitable.However, neither the Red Devils nor Chelsea made a move and he stayed in Serie A.Milinkovic-Savic suffered a real lack of form shortly after signing a deal until 2023 in October and a deal to bring him to Old Trafford is unlikely, but not improbable.

Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)

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Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign Thiago back in 2011

Thiago has been linked with a switch to Stretford since Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. At the Under-21 European Championships, the midfielder was a star and led Spain to glory.The Scot tried to lure him from Barcelona, but was ultimately unable to do so – something successor, David Moyes, also failed to achieve in the ill-fated summer window of 2013.Last season, the 28-year-old maintained a 92% pass completion rate in the Bundesliga and recorded 6 assists, the sort of stats a deep-lying playmaker can afford to brag about.

Tanguy Ndombele (Lyon)

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In terms of physical stature and playing style, Ndombele could be the perfect replacement for Pogba

Although Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with a move for the France international, Daniel Levy’s hesitancy in the transfer market could prove to be United’s gain.The 22-year-old central midfielder is a strong dribbler and his impressive upper-body strength means he can afford to remain calm in even the most daunting of midfield gauntlets.Ndombele likes to operate in an ‘inside-left’ position in central midfield, not too dissimilar to that of Pogba and his 88.2% pass completion rate in the Champions League suggests United would be wise to invest in a player with such potential.

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Smalling and Aubameyang will be taking part too

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will miss the rest of the campaign after he underwent surgery on his already injured knee yesterday. Rudiger who picked up the injury in a rather innocuous coming together with Sadio Mane against Liverpool took a strong knock on the same in the 65th minute of his comeback game and had to be withdrawn.

Bale could joy this elite cast, but joining up with Cristiano Ronaldo again would be problematic in several ways. Could Juve afford the fee and wages? Perhaps if they sell Paulo Dybala, who has been linked with a move away.

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