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According to reports from The Sun, Manchester United are ready to open contract talks with Paul Pogba amid transfer interest from Real Madrid, but the midfield talisman wants a staggering £500k per week.

It would be a huge financial commitment, even for a club with the resources of the Red Devils. So, should United take the plunge and meet Pogba's demands, or could the money be better spent elsewhere? Football FanCast's writers give their verdicts below...

James Beavis

"Ed Woodward would be mad not to. Manchester United have shown consistently in recent years that they don't have the pulling power they once did given some of the signings we have seen and some of the players that regularly turn out for the club. In that respect, losing one of the world class players they do actually have would be unforgivable. Yes, the 26-year-old still flatters to deceive at times, but in his preferred midfield role he will be a monster under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as he proved earlier in the Norwergian's reign. Entering the prime years of his career, United need to pay the money to keep him at Old Trafford."

Ben Goodwin

"The Red Devils have already done this once with Alexis Sanchez, and just like the Chilean, Pogba simply hasn’t earned it. The World Cup winner had a phenomenal spell of form after Solskjaer’s arrival, but is now back to his usual inconsistent self, showing extreme immaturity by barely even trying at Molineux on Tuesday. If United are going to shell out £500k p/w to anyone it should be the man who saves their bacon every week –David De Gea."

Jack Saville

"Football may already be past the point of no return but £500k per week is beyond obscene. I think at some stage Woodward has to draw a line and say this isn't sustainable. It sets a dangerous precedent for the game and I fear it could be detrimental for United's future endeavours in the transfer market if Pogba is pocketing the quoted figure."

Christy Malyan

"This all depends on the kind of club United want to be - its a key moment for their identity. Do they want to become English football's answer to Real Madrid, attracting and keeping the biggest names around by throwing their financial weight about, or do they want something more organic like at Tottenham, where everybody owes something to the club rather than simply their wage packet? I'm not placing one philosophy above the other, but United's decision on this either way will set a precedent."