It looks like Paul Pogba transfer speculation is set to dominate the headlines for the next few months as talk grows that the Manchester United midfielder wants out of Old Trafford.
A worrying report from AS today claims Pogba has rejected the chance to sign a new contract with Man Utd as he wants a move to either Spain or Italy and has his agent Mino Raiola working on it.
MORE: Contract offer rejected: Manchester United star snubs new deal to pursue major transfer
This report follows other similar stories as this saga gathers pace, with Marca reporting that the France international is specifically keen on joining Real Madrid, while Don Balon suggest he could be keen to rejoin Juventus.
It remains to be seen if United will actually let their in-form man go, but one imagines they might want to have some replacements in mind just in case.
Here’s a look at five realistic options who could be great Pogba replacements for the Red Devils…
Tanguy Ndombele
Recently linked with United by Calciomercato, it’s been suggested in their report that Premier League suitors could have an edge over the likes of Juventus in the hunt for Tanguy Ndombele.
After some sensational form in Ligue 1, the young Frenchman is likely to be expensive, which shouldn’t be too much of an obstacle for United, even if it is for others.
A similarly strong, skilful and intelligent box-to-box player to Pogba, Ndombele looks set for a great career and could easily make sure MUFC don’t miss their star man too much.
Toni Kroos
Possibly available for around £50million this summer, a move to Manchester United has once again been talked up in the press.
A long-time target of the Red Devils, Toni Kroos’ Real Madrid future now looks in doubt, according to the Sun, with a £50m move to Old Trafford perhaps on the cards.
On top of that, bookies have responded to the story by cutting odds on the Germany international making Man Utd his next club.
Philippe Coutinho
Perhaps not the most obvious replacement for Pogba, but there has been talk of a swap deal involving the two players.
Don Balon have claimed Barcelona could try offering Philippe Coutinho to United in their bid to land Pogba, and while it would slightly change the way United play, the Brazilian could serve a similar creative midfield role.
It’s not worked out for the former Liverpool man at the Nou Camp, so a Premier League return could make sense, with the Independent recently linking him with United.
Adrien Rabiot
Another French midfield talent, Adrien Rabiot is nearing the end of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and could be another big name on the move this summer.
Don Balon have linked MUFC with an interest in securing his services, and there’s no doubt he could be a superb Pogba replacement considering he’d be a free transfer.
One imagines, however, that his availability will mean there’s plenty of interest in him ahead of next season, meaning this could be a challenging deal to get done.
Marco Verratti
Another PSG player, Marco Verratti is one of the best midfielders in the world and could do well to move on from the Parc des Princes after the club’s lack of progress in the Champions League.
It remains to be seen how realistic this would be, but Don Balon have previously linked the £62m-rated Italy international as looking for a way out of the French capital this summer, with United and Chelsea linked as admirers.
The Blues urgently need to strengthen after unconvincing seasons from Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, so if United could land Verratti as their Pogba replacement, it would give them that double boost of beating a major rival to what would be an important signing for them.