Paul Pogba is prepared to sign a new contract at Manchester United. Initial talks have already taken place, with the midfielder's agent Mino Raiola confirming that not only will his client stay at United during this transfer window but is willing to extend his career at the club.
"He's at the centre of a very important technical project, even if in recent years United have never wanted to open a negotiation," Raiola revealed from Lisbon.
Asked whether talks had now taken place over a new contract, he added: "We are talking very calmly, without stress."
Pogba's current contract effectively has two seasons left to run with the club able to trigger a 12-month extension next June if, it is understood, he plays a certain number of games.
Last summer Pogba believed he had an informal agreement with United to allow him to leave by the end of the campaign if an acceptable offer was made and that the club, which had already turned down a bid from Barcelona, would not stand in his way. There was also interest from Real Madrid and Pogba's former club Juventus.
At that time, the 27-year-old France international spoke of it being "time to have a new challenge" and the expectation was that he would push for a move away from Old Trafford. However, the situation was complicated by the coronavirus crisis which has hit the finances of all Europe's biggest clubs.
Pogba, meanwhile, is now fit again and appears to be enjoying playing for United, especially since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes.
Prior to lockdown, Pogba played just eight times for United as he struggled with a persistent ankle injury, but after the restart he made 14 appearances. He was also a key figure in the club's resurgence to finish third in the Premier League and secure Champions League football.
Interestingly, Raiola appeared to suggest that it was United who have been reluctant to extend Pogba's deal, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to offer acceptable terms.
Raiola confirmed that he will be meeting with AC Milan today and is "optimistic" that a new deal will be agreed with former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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