Real Madrid? A return to Juventus? Five clubs Paul Pogba could join from Manchester United

Agent of French midfielder has urged Premier League club to let him leave during the January transfer window

REAL MADRID: The logical club to start with. Pogba has in the past made some not-so-subtle overtures to Real Madrid, whose manager Zinedine Zidane remains a big fan of the midfielder. From a football perspective, this is a move that would make sense, provided Pogba replicates his best form. Madrid are in need of fresh impetus in central midfield, with a successor required for 35-year-old playmaker Luka Modric. As with every club on this list, the finances of a deal would be a hurdle but perhaps not insurmountable if Zidane can move on some unwanted players, including the on-loan Gareth Bale, whom Madrid still pay half of his gigantic wages. Reuters

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN: One of the few clubs who could still afford to take on the financial burden of signing Pogba, PSG could be interested in taking the midfielder back to France. As the biggest club in France, and Pogba being a key player for the national team, it would be a move that theoretically makes sense. A top-of-his game Pogba would improve the PSG midfield. EPA

BARCELONA: Not too long ago, Barcelona looked set to make a move for Pogba as they began to build for a future without the mesmeric duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Instead, the club went in a different direction and Pogba moved back to United. What could have been is anyone’s guess but maybe Barca will get another shot at signing the midfielder. The Catalans are in desperate need of an overhaul, but the finances of a potential deal could end their pursuit before it even starts. Much could depend on the future of Lionel Messi and if the Argentine star gets his wish to leave, that should free up a chunk of the budget. AP Photo

JUVENTUS: In among his ill-timed ramblings on Monday, Raiola stated that Pogba “can come back to Juventus”. Whether there is some truth and genuine interest there, or it was typical sales talk from an agent, there is no denying that Turin was where Pogba reached his best level. Juventus, who have not been afraid to splash the cash in recent years, have also tightened their purse strings since the pandemic, so any move for Pogba would likely only take place if players leave first. The biggest earner by a considerable distance is Cristiano Ronaldo – but would Juve move the Portuguese star on for Pogba? Getty Images

INTER MILAN: The manager who oversaw Pogba’s finest form at Juventus is now at Inter Milan and Antonio Conte would surely jump at the chance to reunite with the Frenchman. There has been plenty of speculation this year that Inter are keen to take Pogba to the San Siro, and backed by Chinese billionaire owners, the club could have the finances to pull off a deal. With Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen destined for a January exit (maybe to Manchester United?) it would free up a squad space and additional money. Reuters

On the eve of Manchester United's most important game of the season so far, Paul Pogba's "super" agent Mino Raiola thought it the opportune time to express his client's unhappiness at the Premier League club.

"There's no point beating about the bush. It's better to speak out clearly, look forward and avoid wasting time to find culprits," Raiola told Tuttosport.

"Paul is unhappy at Man Utd, he can't manage to express himself like he wants to and like people expect him to.

"He needs to change team, he needs a change of scenery. He has a contract that will expire in a year and a half, in the summer of 2022, but the best solution for all parties is a transfer in the next (summer) window.

"Otherwise the Old Trafford club, which I have a great relationship with, knows well that they would risk losing him on a free transfer, given that at the moment it's not the player's intention to extend the contract.

"If anybody can't understand this, then they know little or nothing about football. Anyway, they're free to direct all the blame to myself if Paul were to leave next summer."

Pogba, who spent two years in the United Academy, rejoined the club in 2016 in a then world record deal from Italian giants Juventus. However, it would be tough to argue that the midfielder has so far justified his £100 million transfer fee due to a combination of inconsistent form and injuries.

He did offer a glimpse of his quality, though, last time out against West Ham by scoring a superb equaliser to help United claim a 3-1 win.

The 27-year-old France international has previously expressed a desire to seek a "new challenge" away from United, but where he may find that challenge is perhaps not as clear as it might have been in the past.

The financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic and the loss of matchday revenue has impacted even Europe's biggest clubs, so the options of who could afford Pogba's wages and transfer fee - even with only 18 months left on his contract - are limited.

In the photo gallery above, we look at five clubs who might be interested in signing Pogba - even if it means they need to balance the books to do so.

To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.