Man Utd banking on daring £90m transfer promise made to Pogba over new deal
Manchester United promised Paul Pogba in contract negotiations that they would sign Jack Grealish in this summer’s transfer window, a report has claimed.
Pogba has endured a tough time since moving back to United in the summer of 2016.
However, he has shown arguably his best form this season as he nears the back end of his deal. United activated their 12-month extension option in October, so the Frenchman’s contract now expires in 2022.
But the possibility of Pogba leaving remains a strong one, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain supposedly keen.
According to Don Balon, United realised they would have to convince Pogba with something special to make him stick around. Indeed, the source states that the World Cup winner has demanded a realistic chance of trophies as a prerequisite.
As such, at the ‘worst moment’ of negotiations, United chiefs came up with an ambitious plan to sign Grealish.
Club officials feel convinced that adding the Aston Villa captain to their ranks would wipe away any doubt over Pogba’s future.
In fact, Pogba would ‘gladly’ sit down and talk if the 25-year-old joined him in United’s midfield.
Grealish: I thrive off Gazza comparisons
Aston Villa and England forward Jack Grealish says he is happy to be compared to Paul Gascoigne, but insists he is yet to prove himself on the biggest stage.
However, the plan has obvious pitfalls. If they lose out on Grealish – perhaps to another club – they would also lose Pogba. While he has struggled to show consistency, his best form adds a great deal to United.
Therefore, working on Grealish’s transfer up north has reportedly become United’s top priority.
Grealish could join Pogba for £90million
The Athletic has previously reported that Grealish could leave Villa for £90million.
The England international became the subject of intense speculation last summer, but signed a blockbuster new deal at his boyhood club.
Nevertheless, his rise to prominence with his country this season has seen his stock rise significantly.
As such, it could prove tough for United to stamp their mark on his future.
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