Manchester United are seemingly preparing for life without record signing Paul Pogba - and have turned their attention to two Barcelona stars.
Pogba, who returned to Old Trafford in a £89million move in 2016, has cast doubt over his future at Manchester United after revealing he is considering "a new challenge".
Speculation on a possible move to Real Madrid or a return to former club Juventus has been mounting since a season in which Pogba faced criticism at times for his performances with United.
The 26-year-old told reporters in Tokyo while attending an event held by sponsors Adidas that it could be time to leave Old Trafford.
United are desperate to keep hold of their prized asset but reports in Spain have claimed that they are already looking at potential replacements should he quit Manchester this summer.
The Red Devils have long admired Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and, according to Mundo Deportivo , they will soon step up their pursuit of the Croatian.
Though Rakitic was a key player under Ernesto Valverde last season, Barca are looking to finance moves for their own summer targets and could be open to parting ways with the midfield maestro.
It is also claimed by the Spanish daily that Philippe Coutinho, the former Liverpool playmaker who has struggled at the Nou Camp, is also on United's shortlist.
The Brazilian has endured a difficult season with the Catalan giants, even seeing some of his performances booed by Barca's support.
Manchester United are keeping tabs on his situation at the Nou Camp but French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also known to be interested in securing his services.
These moves all depend on Pogba and what the French World Cup winner decides to do this summer, but his recent comments suggest he could well be on the move.
"Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well," the France midfielder said.
"For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great; some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.
"After everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.
"I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else."
