MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly planning a shock move to sign Paul Pogba on the eve of the Manchester derby.
The misfiring champions side have “sounded out” a potential deal for the former Man Utd star ahead of his return from a doping ban in March.
Pep Guardiola is desperate for midfield reinforcements with City’s Premier League campaign derailed by Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s ACL injury.
SunSport reported earlier this week that Guardiola could spend in the January transfer window for the first time in seven years.
He is keen on both Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
But The Independent claim he could look to make a far more controversial move for divisive Old Trafford old boy Pogba instead.
However, the report admits Pogba is reluctant to join City due to his connection with their bitter rivals.
In fact, the 31-year-old Frenchman is said to have reservations about returning to England all together.
Pogba still wants to play top level football again, however, with LaLiga, Serie A and the Bundesliga his preferences.
He is currently serving an 18-month ban for testing positive for performance-enhancing substance DHEA in August 2023.
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Pogba was initially hit with a four-year suspension but it was reduced following an appeal.
The ban led to his contract at Juventus being terminated.
From January, the 2018 World Cup winner can train with a club again.
Pogba said back in October: “I am not a cheater, I am someone that loves my sport.
“I love the game and I would never, ever. I like to win fairly and people know that.
“You see me. I’m a bad loser, but I am not a cheater – that’s for sure.
“I would just love to be [back] on the pitch, on any pitch.
“It’s tough to be alone doing passes for yourself on the wall.
“My main focus right now is to get back training, get fit, be on the pitch and be doing what I love.”
Pogba made 233 appearances for Man Utd in two spells at the club.
He left on a free in the summer of 2022.
Pep Guardiola’s horror Man City run
PEP GUARDIOLA admitted he is having sleepless nights as he endures his worst-ever spell as a manager.
Here are the three-time defending Premier League champions’ nightmare last 10 games…
Oct 30: Tottenham 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 2: Bournemouth 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 5: Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 9: Brighton 2 Man City 1 – DEFEAT
Nov 23 – Man City 0 Tottenham 4 – DEFEAT
Nov 26: Man City 3 Feyenoord 3 – DRAW
Dec 1: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 – DEFEAT
Dec 4: Man City 3 Nottingham Forest – WIN
Dec 7: Crystal Palace 2 Man City 2 – DRAW
Dec 11: Juventus 2 Man City 0 – DEFEAT
TOTAL – WINS 1, DRAWS 2, DEFEATS 7
