Yahoo Sports Paul Pogba: Who could replace Manchester United's World Cup-winning midfielder?
Paul Pogba is reportedly looking for the Old Trafford exit door.
The French midfielder has borne the blunt of criticism levelled at Manchester United following a disappointing campaign, with the player accused of underperforming at various points during the season.
With Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane keen to entice the midfielder to Spain, United would be losing a key player from their squad and a replacement of similar, if not greater, calibre would be a necessity if they are to improve on last year’s poor sixth-place league finish.
We take a look at some of the potential options from around Europe.
Youri Tielemans
An impressive loan spell at Leicester in the second half of last season only served to enhance the reputation of the young Belgian, who will need no adaptation period to English football.
At 22, Tielemans is considered one of the brightest young talents in European football and already a full international with his country, featuring in Belgium’s impressive third place showing in Russia.
With Monaco struggling in Ligue 1 last season, it is highly likely the club may have to listen to offers for their latest prized asset.
Adrien Rabiot
The midfielder has fallen out of favour under Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain this past season and looks certain to leave the French capital this summer.
Similar in physical stature to compatriot Pogba, Rabiot is an able passer and ball-winner and would provide a notable presence in the United midfield.
With the likes of Barcelona and Juventus said to be hovering around him, Solskjaer might need to move fast if he is the secure the PSG man’s signature.
James Maddison
A mainstay of the Leicester City first team during a breakthrough Premier League season after signing from Norwich last summer.
The attack-minded midfielder scored seven times and provided seven assists for the Foxes helping the club to a top half finish and even earned him an England call-up back in the autumn.
These heroics in his debut top-flight season have reportedly caught the eye of United’s rivals City and Liverpool so it would take a big fee and some convincing to get him to Old Trafford.
Donny van de Beek
The 22-year old Dutchman was one of a number of players to impress during Ajax’s impressive and unexpected run to the Champions League semi-final.
A cultured player with a keen eye for a pass, van de Beek could slot into the role vacated by Pogba to help link the play between midfield and attack at Old Trafford.
His goals against Juventus and Spurs also suggest he’s not a player to be overawed by the big occasion.
Bruno Fernandes
Fresh from winning the Nations League, the Portuguese midfielder looks set to leave Sporting this summer with Manchester United keen to pry him away. However, Atletico Madrid could steal a march on the Red Devils so the club will need to move quickly.
Versatile enough to play anywhere in midfield, Fernandes would be a key addition to Solskjaer’s squad, especially given how exposed they looked towards the end of the campaign.
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