Juventus are set to offer Manchester United a pick ofthree players in exchange for Paul Pogba, according to Corriere dello Sport (via The Metro).
According to the Italian media outlet, the three players being offered are Joao Cancelo, Blaise Matuidi and Douglas Costa.
Pogba is keen to leave Manchester United (the Independent described him as ‘desperate’ last month), and Juventus are also keen on bringing the 26-year-old back to Turin.
On Thursday, it was reported by Marca that Real Madrid may be willing to admit defeat in their attempts to sign Pogba, leaving the Old Lady as the only club in the running to sign the France international.
The Italian champions reportedly asked sponsors Adidas for funds in their attempts to buy Pogba. This potentially shows a lack of funds at the club, hence, why they have gone on to offer three players as opposed to offering straight cash.
Only two of the three players mentioned will be of any use to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. As mentioned above, Manchester United have already spent £50m on right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer, so won’t urgently need the services of Joao Cancelo.
However, players like Costa and Matuidi will be welcome additions for the Norwegian manager. Costa averaged two dribbles per game last season with Juventus, which was 0.3 more than any other player in Manchester United’s squad (as per WhoScored). His searing pace would be a welcome addition to an attack that already showed what they can do under Solskjaer against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembleylast season.
With Ander Herrera, who made the most tackles per game last season (2.5), gone, Matuidi would slot in at number two for most tackles made at Manchester United with 2.2 per game. He would place ahead of every single Manchester United midfielder, showing the club could use his bite and defensive steel to replace the outgoing Herrera.
While Cancelo won’t be needed, both Matuidi and Costa would be good additions to Manchester United’s squad for next season.
