According to The Express, Manchester United’s Paul Pogba has informed the club that he wishes to return to Juventus in the next transfer window.

What’s the story?

Pogba re-signed for United - having initially left the club as a teenager in 2012 - for a then-world record fee of £89 million in the summer of 2016. Two seasons on, however, and the Frenchman could be set to once again leave Old Trafford behind in favour of a switch to the Turin club.

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In his second spell with the Red Devils, Pogba has struggled to maintain his finest form in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho should perhaps take this opportunity to move the France international on and use the inevitably significant funds raised to bring another midfield lynchpin to the club.

In that case, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ought to be the Portuguese boss’ top candidate to fill Pogba’s boots at Old Trafford. 

Ready for the chance

The Serbian powerhouse, Milinkovic-Savic, is ready for the next step up in his career. The 23-year-old has been in tremendous form for Lazio and could become a dominant presence in the Premier League.

Like Pogba, Milinkovic-Savic provides a goal threat from midfield and also possesses exquisite technique and is capable of unpicking stubborn opposition defences with inventive passes. His athleticism, physicality and imposing 6'4" frame also makes him an intimidating presence in the centre of the park and allows him to be extremely effective when carrying out his defensive duties. 

The next step he must take in his career is a move to one of Europe’s giant clubs, but with a Transfermarkt valuation of £81 million, he wouldn’t come cheap. However, Pogba himself has a Transfermarkt valuation of £81 million, meaning United ought to be able to raise the necessary funds by selling the World Cup winner on in January.

Replacing Pogba with Milinkovic-Savic would be excellent business on United’s part, and would ensure fans quickly forget about the 2018 World Cup winner.