Manchester United are reportedly hopeful of entering negotiations with Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola in an attempt to secure the French star to a new long-term contract.
The World Cup winner still has two years remaining on his current deal, and the Old Trafford giants want him to pen fresh terms following a turbulent summer transfer window.
But according to ESPN, negotiations are likely to be difficult after Pogba had recently expressed a desire for a new challenge.
United have handed bumper new deals to David de Gea and centre half Victor Lindelof in recent weeks, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to end rumours surrounding the futures of his key men.
But negotiations with the club's Spanish stopper were protracted, and any attempt to secure Pogba's future in Manchester is likely to follow a similar pattern.
The 26-year-old remained a primary target for Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane over the course of the summer, and the French tactician was understood to have been enraged by his club's failure to complete the signing.
However, the same publication also believe that Pogba hasn't ruled out signing an extension at Old Trafford, despite still harbouring hopes of a move to Madrid.
Outspoken agent Raiola is believed to hold a positive relationship with United's executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, which could prove key should Solskjaer convince his star man to stay.
Pogba is viewed as a key part of United's ambitions on and off the field and is regularly used at the forefront of the club's countless advertising campaigns.
But the midfielder will miss Sunday's Premier League trip to West Ham after struggling to shake off an ankle injury.