Paul Pogba is nearing the end of his Manchester United deal, making him eligible to join the club of his choice for free come the end of the season. Aston Villa and Newcastle United have emerged as shock contenders for his signature, reports The Sun.
The Villans are in the middle of an ambitious project, attracting stars such as Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings to their side, while the newly-rich Newcastle United are likely to add strength to their squad after thwarting the threat of relegation.
Manchester United signed Pogba for a world record fee back in 2016, four years after allowing him to walk to Juventus for free. However, the Frenchman hasn’t enjoyed the best of stints back at his boyhood club. Furthermore, the midfielder himself spoke of the same, recently, while admitting that he has endured a difficult time off the pitch over the last five seasons.
“Sometimes, you don’t know you’re depressed, you only want to isolate yourself, be alone, and these are signs that don’t deceive,”
“Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho in Manchester. You ask yourself questions, wonder if you’re at fault, because you have never lived moments like these in your life.”
the 29-year-old said.
A change seems to be in the offing, with contract talks between the club and the player’s representatives currently at a roadblock. As per the report, while Pogba has attracted interest from European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, it is also middling Premier League clubs Villa and Newcastle, who are eyeing an ambitious move to sign the 29-year-old once the summer window opens on July 1. Chelsea, too, have been linked with a move for the soon-to-be free agent in some quarters.
Should he leave the Red Devils for the second time in his career, the Frenchman would be walking with 222 appearances under his belt – and 39 goals.
Also read 👉 Newcastle eyeing bold summer move for Neymar; Man City watch situation too