Manchester United have identified Paul Pogba replacement

Manchester United could be set to lose one of their biggest stars in the upcoming summer transfer window in the form of Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman has never made it a secret that he eventually wants to move away from Old Trafford and take a different challenge. And these statements have only been backed up by the comments of his agent Mino Raiola in the past.

At the end of this season, there will only be a year left on his contract with the Red Devils and there does not appear to be much hope of him renewing his deal. As a result, the club could be forced to let him leave in the summer or they will most likely lose him for free a year later.

Thus, it is only natural that they have already started to look for replacements when it comes to Pogba. And Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde seems pretty high on their shortlist as reported by The Sun.

More from Manchester United News

• Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
• Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
• Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
• Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
• Mike Phelan blasts Manchester United teammates over Ronaldo exit

Valverde could be a hit at Manchester United

Valverde had a breakout season for Zinedine Zidane’s side in their previous campaign but the buzz has died down a bit this time around. And that is naturally due to the club’s subpar performances this season, as they find themselves trailing Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Valverde is a great player on his day though. And although he won’t be a like for like replacement for Pogba, he does have a lot of unique qualities of his own.

He is a brilliant box-to-box midfielder with the ability to break down plays and carry the ball forward. He is also just 22 years of age, which is a lot younger than Pogba. Thus, in the long-term he might be a better option.

It is unlikely though that the Red Devils will be prepared to pay the astronomical £148 million release clause in his Real Madrid contract and as a result, the two sides will have to reach a transfer fee agreement if any deal is to take place, which could be tricky.