Report: Manchester United considering Pogba as City loses interest
Manchester City is apparently no longer interested in a big-money transfer for Paul Pogba, prompting Manchester United to his potential availability.
The Juventus midfielder was on the United books until he left for Italy in 2012, disenchanted with a lack of the first-team opportunities with the Red Devils. To buy him back would be expensive after four fine years in Serie A, but the Guardian's Daniel Taylor understands that the Old Trafford hierarchy has been encouraged by the fact they wouldn't have to compete with their cross-city rival.
Jose Mourinho confirmed the first signing of his United tenure on Wednesday, with defender Eric Bailly joining from Villarreal for around £30 million, but it's believed he has highlighted Pogba as a chief target to the club's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
Related: Manchester United completes Eric Bailly transfer
There may be reluctance from Pogba to rejoin his old club, however, due to the Frenchman allegedly leaving it without "showing us any respect at all" in 2012, according to former manager Alex Ferguson. When he left United in search of a starting XI berth, he was aged 19.
In addition to the £95 million potentially splurged on Bailly and Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to confirm a move to United in the coming weeks. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract, the striker would be free, but would inevitably demand a significant pay packet.
Mourinho succeeded Louis van Gaal this summer, despite United claiming the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on May 21.