Manchester United have opened preliminary talks with Paul Pogba over a new contract as they look to persuade the midfielder to stay at Old Trafford.
Pogba, the 26-year-old France international, has two years left on his deal and the club have an option to extend that by another 12 months.
United have made contact with the player’s representatives as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the manager, sees Pogba as a vital component in his plans to turn the club into serious title challengers again.
Pogba is arguably the best player at the club and his absence because of an ankle injury has been felt greatly in the past two Premier League games against Leicester City and West Ham United. Under the terms of his present contract, he earns £144,000 per week, but his wage is topped up by a further £6.5 million in image rights and loyalty payments.
United cannot offer Pogba Champions League football this season, but they are hopeful that being central to Solskjaer’s plans will help persuade him to stay in the face of interest from Real Madrid and Juventus.