Paul Pogba 'Close' to Signing New Long-Term Manchester United Contract
By Tom Gott
Manchester United are believed to be close to finally ending the speculation surrounding Paul Pogba's future by agreeing a new long-term contract with the Frenchman.
Pogba was keen to leave last summer - even admitting so publicly - while Real Madrid were interested in buying. However, United held firm and refused to sell as they felt they could eventually convince the World Cup winner that remaining at Old Trafford would be best for him in the long run.
It took a while to do, with United struggling for the first half of the season and Pogba sitting on the sidelines through injury, but the Red Devils' fortunes have now been reversed. The club are well in the race for Champions League football next season, while they remain in the hunt for the FA Cup and Europa League.
There is now a positivity which hasn't been felt for a while at United, and according to The Sun, Pogba wants to keep the good times rolling and he is ready to put pen to paper on a new five-year contract in Manchester.
In fact, talks are so advanced that United are expected to announce the deal at the end of the season, suggesting it's just a question of dotting some i's and crossing some t's. That is, again, according to this report.
Pogba has still been linked with a move away this summer, with Real Madrid and Juventus both rumoured to be keen on landing the midfielder, but neither move has ever really seemed like happening and United have always played hardball.
It looks like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's determination may have paid off, and Pogba's partnership with January signing Bruno Fernandes looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Solskjaer recently admitted (via Sky Sports) that Pogba's performances have made dropping him impossible, although the Frenchman could still be rested to ensure he doesn't burn himself out before the end of the season.
"I've been speaking more or less every day with Paul and of course he knows that he wouldn't be dropped. When Paul plays like this he wouldn't be dropped from any team in the world," Solskjaer said.
"But he has been out for a long time and there was question mark before the Southampton game. He felt ready for it and that was great. Now, let's see how he is today and tomorrow.
He has been fantastic since the restart and he has brought a lot to the team."