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Manchester United are ready to abandon their interest in Paul Pogba despite the midfielder’s agent claiming he could leave Juventus this summer.
The France midfielder quit Old Trafford for the Italian side on a free transfer in 2012 and, with £150million to spend in the summer, United boss Louis van Gaal was understood to be interested in bringing the 21-year-old back to the club.
The club’s top brass were disappointed when he rejected their offer of a long-term contract when signing for the Italian champions.
Van Gaal has made a central midfielder a priority but is now believed to be looking elsewhere, with £40m Kevin Strootman a top target.
Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, believes his client could be ready to move, saying: “He wants to make his mark on football history and he is already doing that.
“Not a single player at the age of 21 has shown the world what he can do — lead a team in the palm of his hand.
“Pogba, he has done it already. His future? He could join any team. If the right time comes this summer, then it will happen.
The top 10 most tweeted about transfer rumours in January 2015
“If it is not the right time, he could stay for another year or two.
“He will beat the transfer record. If there is one Mona Lisa in the world, and she is for sale, it will be a record price.”
Meanwhile, Radamel Falcao looks set to be dropped for tomorrow’s clash at Swansea.
The Colombian striker turned in a disappointing performance in United’s FA Cup victory over Preston — some critics said he could trap the ball futher than he could kick it — and looks certain to pay the price for the trip to the Liberty Stadium.
Falcao has struggled since joining United on loan, only scoring four goals in 19 appearances.
