Paul Pogba wants out at Manchester United and his agent Mino Raiola is trying to make it happen.
The France World Cup winner is gatvol of working with bitterbek coach Jose Mourinho and is trying to force a move to Spanish giants Barcelona.
But United are fighting to hold onto the 25-year-old they paid a then-world record £89m for just two years ago.
According to the Daily Mail, United insisted on Monday night that Pogba is not for sale and they are believed to have rejected an opening offer from Barca of £44.6m plus two players – Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes.
It seems unlikely that United would let go of their record signing, and Pogba’s camp accept it will be difficult to complete a deal before the transfer window closes.
However, the fact that Raiola is working with his client’s blessing is a worrying development for United after a difficult pre-season, and comes so close to United’s Premier League opener at home to Leicester on Friday.
Meanwhile, United have made a “final” £40m bid for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld.
Spurs are holding out for at least £50m for the Belgian centreback, but the Red Devils know that in six months his value will drop to £25m and don’t want to pay more.
United are now looking at their options, with Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng on their radar, after their hopes of landing Leicester’s Harry Maguire disappeared with a £80m price tag.