Manchester United have a new vital stance on Paul Pogba

Solskjaer is hopeful of extending Pogba’s Old Trafford stay.

Manchester United have opened talks with the representatives of Paul Pogba over extending his contract, which expires next summer and includes an option to extend the player’s stay by further 12 months.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Frenchman was destined to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere, garnering interest from Real Madrid and Pogba’s former club Juventus.

The French international was deemed close to a move to Spain, but the deal fell through only due Los Blancos’ failure to offer a financial package capable of meeting Manchester United’s ends.

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However, given Manchester United’s upscale valuation, understood to be in the region of £80m-£90m, of the 27-year-old, none of the potential suitors would be able to match the demands of the Old Trafford club in the current economic climate.

Also, Paul Pogba, since his return from a long-term injury, is excited to feature alongside Bruno Fernandes and there is a growing camaraderie between the midfielders. The World Cup winner is also said to be ‘Happy’ at how the club have supported him during a long spell on the sidelines while nursing an ankle injury.

"“I feel great, I feel much, much better now. I’ve been training well and they [the club] have been looking after me very well. I’ve been doing some extra work and treatment on my ankle and the rest of my body.And my team-mates as well, they’ve helped me to come back and feel confident. It’s like I never left, the guys still trust in me and always believe in me and that’s helped me a lot as well.” (United Exclusive)"

Given Pogba’s current situation at Man United, Solskjaer has insisted the club bosses on extending the 27-year-old’s contract. Midfield has been the area where the Old Trafford outfit has worked on recently, trying Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic to long-term deals.

Now, Solskjaer is keen on convincing Paul Pogba, one of the elite members of the United squad, to be a part of a team that could challenge for major trophies soon. The United manager is hopeful that the Frenchman will sign an improved agreement offered to him (quotes via BBC).

"“Of course we want to keep the best players around the club and hopefully we can do something,”“We want to build a squad for the future. We have secured one at the start and another who is really experienced. But we also need players in the mid-range group.”“Since Paul has come back he’s looking better and better. He’s enjoying his football so let’s see where it takes us.”"

The club representatives are understood to have initiated initial-level dialogues with Paul Pogba’s entourage to discuss a contract extension, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The player is said to be keen but nothing is agreed yet.

If Man United manage to agree on a contract extension with Paul Pogba, it would be a major coup for the club given the player’s calibre and his desire to seek a challenge away from Old Trafford not so long ago.

Also, it could alter Solskjaer’s transfer plans this summer amid interest in Jack Grealish and Donny van de Beek.

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Do you think Pogba will sign a contract extension?