Manchester United are ready to open contract talks with Paul Pogba’s representatives as they fear he is allowing his deal to run down in order to leave for free next summer.
United triggered a 12-month extension clause in Pogba’s deal in January 2020, six months before his deal was set to expire.
Pogba has twice stated his desire to leave the club since joining for £89m from Juventus in 2016.
The first time, in 2018 – was due to the breakdown in Pogba’s relationship with Mourinho, while the second only a year later was down to the player’s determination to play in the Champions League.
United are in a better place now under Solskjaer and are closer to winning a major silverware, despite their Europa League final defeat to Villarreal.
Pogba has appeared enthused by the direction the club is going in and he enjoyed his finest season to date with United last campaign.
But, ESPN claim that United fear Pogba will allow his contract to run down and the club want to initiate contract negotiations soon in order to discover his true intentions.
READ MORE: Erling Haaland interested in Chelsea transfer move
Marcus Rashford to miss start of Man Utd’s season after opting for surgery
Mourinho tips Man Utd star to become ‘phenomenal’ in years to come
Should Pogba tell the club he’s unwilling to sign a new deal, United could look at selling in the summer as it’s their last chance to receive a significant fee for the Frenchman.
Donny van de Beek was signed from Ajax last summer with a view to Pogba leaving the club but he made just four Premier League starts as the former Juve star enjoyed an impressive fifth campaign.
Soslskjaer is keen on signing a right winger, a midfielder, a centre-back and a right-back this summer but he must sell first in order to complete his business.
