Juventus ‘hold talks with Man Utd in London’ over Paul Pogba transfer as Italian giants battle Real Madrid for £150m midfielder

JUVENTUS have made “first contact” with Manchester United over a £150m deal to bring Paul Pogba back to the club.

The French midfielder, 26, has been linked with a switch to the Serie A giants and Real Madrid as speculation over his future mounts.

Now Italian journalist claims talks have begun between Juve and the Red Devils.

And he claims the Old Lady’s sporting director Fabio Paratici met with chiefs from Old Trafford in London this week as he attempts to tie-up three deals.

According to the report, Paratici first travelled to France in order to enquire about Lyon star and Tottenham target Tanguy Ndombele.

He is then believed to have headed straight to England to finalise the move to bring in Maurizio Sarri as manager from Chelsea.

But while in the capital he is claimed to have held discussions with United to confirm Juventus’ interest in their former ace.

ODE TO OLE

Pogba has just finished his third campaign back at United with a sixth place Premier League finish, meaning no Champions League football at Old Trafford next season.

Following the departure of Jose Mourinho in December, who he had numerous rows with, he began to hit top form again under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He finished with 16 goals and 11 assists for United.

Despite links with a summer exit, Pogba has spoken this week of his admiration for Solskjaer.

He said : “He is just a happy person. He just smiles every time and he brings smiles to people.

“I had the chance to be with him a few times in the reserves. So I have known him for a long time and have a very good relationship with him. Even once when I was at Juventus, we saw each other.

Pogba added: “He is a very nice guy, a very good person. He has been very nice with the players and very close to the players.

“The first thing he said when he came in was, ‘Enjoy playing football’. That is the only thing he said to us and that’s what we did and what we do.

“The last months were not the best and when you don’t win games, you don’t enjoy. It was tough. But we had injured players as well and I think that had an impact on results.

“We are still learning, still growing and trying to come back to the top. We want to play in the Champions League, win the Premier League - that is the goal of the club. So that’s what we try to do and that’s why Ole came back.”