Paul Pogba transfer news: Manchester City officials begin talks over summer move as Andrea Pirlo ruled out Manchester United return

Manchester City have opened talks regarding a summer transfer for Paul Pogba on the same day that his Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo ruled out any chance of him returning to Manchester United.

The French midfielder is the hottest property in the transfer window at present with a number of clubs across Europe hoping to lure him away from the Serie A champions. City are one of those sides who would have the financial capability to make an offer that Juventus couldn’t refuse, but they face stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal as well as Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain are also in the running for the 22-year-old.

However, having helped Juventus to a fourth consecutive Serie A title and on the verge of a Champions League final, Pogba is reported to have seen an approach made by City.

According to Sky Sports Italia, City’s representatives arrived in Turin this week to open talks about a move for the talented France international. While the competition to sign Pogba is fierce, getting Juventus to accept an offer will prove a task in itself, with the Italian club determined to hold out for 100m euros (£72m).

The would make Pogba the most expensive import in Premier League history should he complete a move, as he would easily surpass the £59.7m it cost Manchester United to sign Angel Di Maria last summer.

A deal to sign Pogba is also likely to put serious strains on the compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations, and it’s reported that City will offer players in exchange of lowering the asking price and offloading some of their squad that have failed to perform this season.

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Of course, Pogba arrived at Juventus in 2012 having left United on a free transfer after making just three substitute appearances in the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson, and Pogba’s team-mate Pirlo believes there is no chance of him returning to Old Trafford because of his treatment there.

“He seems very happy at Juventus," said Pirlo. "I know he is focused on finishing the season with a lot of success. Whatever the future is for him I don't see it being Manchester United.

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“He didn't feel he was treated well there. I know that was under Sir Alex Ferguson and now there is a new coach, but I do not seeing him returning to a club where he was not treated well.”