Report: United confident Pogba will stay beyond next transfer window

Manchester United are optimistic that Paul Pogba will stay put beyond the next transfer window amid doubts that other clubs can foot the bill for the star midfielder, according to a report from ESPN UK's Rob Dawson.

The Frenchman's agent, Mino Raiola, has claimed that he "wants to take a great player to Real Madrid," and Juventus have also been linked with a return for Pogba.

Despite widespread reports that Pogba wants out, several circumstances could prevent a move.

Firstly, there's a significant gulf between United's valuation of the player and what clubs such as Real Madrid and Juventus are willing to spend. Last summer, Real reportedly balked at United's extravagant £180-million asking price for the 27-year-old World Cup winner.

Even with Pogba's current terms at Old Trafford running until 2021 with a club option for 2022, it's understood that the club would still appraise the player at £100 million-plus. That, in addition to wages in the region of £300,000 per week, could prove too costly.

Secondly, as Dawson notes, the global coronavirus pandemic and concerns regarding its negative consequences on clubs and their revenues present a stumbling block. Indefinite work stoppages could affect television revenues, hence limiting what teams can spend on players in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Pogba has featured in just seven league outings for United this season amid recurring ankle and metatarsal injuries and has not appeared in a competitive match since the club's Boxing Day win over Newcastle.