As strong speculations surround Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku’s departure from Manchester United, the United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly sanctioned the duos’ desire to move away from the Manchester side.
According to sources, Solskjaer has told Manchester United to sell Paul Pogba to the highest bidder in a desperate bid to raise funds. The wantaway Frenchman is desperate to leave Old Trafford this summer with Real Madrid and Juventus fighting it out over a £150 million transfer. Recall, that Pogba recently hinted that he favours plying his trade elsewhere, a statement that attracted wide criticisms.
“After this season and everything that happened this season…With my season being my best season as well… I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else. I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else.”
Also, Serie A giants, Inter Milan, is believed to be closing in on a £62 million deal with United for Lukaku, with the Belgian ready to sign a five-year deal worth a massive £6.6 million-a-season.
Low budget for the gaffer: It has been revealed that the United gaffer, Solskjaer, has been told he only has £100 million to spend after the Red Devils finished sixth in the premier league and ended the season without a champions league qualification.
[READ THIS: Bet9ja replaces Payporte as Big Brother Naija sponsor]
With reported targets, Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Leicester City defender Harry Maguire set to cost in excess of £100 million. Selling Pogba around the reported fee of £150 million to either Juventus or Real Madrid would help provide some significant funds to rebuild the team.
Possible Swap deals: Several reports have indicated that Manchester United is weighing options of a swap deal (player plus cash) with Inter Milan. According to Daily Express, Inter Milan are willing to explore the possibility of offloading Icardi to United as part of the deal for Lukaku, lowering the amount of cash they’ll have to stump up.
The Belgian forward joined Morinho at United in the summer of 2017, but while Lukaku has shown glimpses of his brilliance at United, he has failed to recapture his real form ever since.
United has expressed interest in Icardi over the years, while the player has been labeled as being controversial as he was stripped of the captaincy last season, yet report indicates United would be interested in bringing the Argentine frontman to Old Trafford.
Pressure to Replace Pogba, as Adidas kicks: Meanwhile, Adidas have told Manchester United the club should keep Paul Pogba, but if he leaves then a marquee signing must be brought in to replace him. It has been revealed that the German kit supplier are loathed to see one of their biggest faces leave United, especially after signing a £750million deal with the Red Devils.
Part of the deal United signed with Adidas includes using United’s biggest stars to promote the brand around the world, and they believe United will need a star name on par with Pogba if he leaves.
