Manchester United will reportedly let Paul Pogba leave Old Trafford in a cut-price transfer now that Bruno Fernandes has signed.
Pogba now has competition for United's attacking midfield slot after Portugal international Fernandes joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side from Sporting Lisbon in a potential £67.8million deal.
World Cup winner Pogba agitated for a move last summer and has been linked with both Real Madrid and Juventus ever since.
The 26-year-old France international has missed most of this season through injury, while his commitment to United has also been questioned at times.
His agent Mino Raiola has also angered United with various comments made about the club.
There have been rumours Pogba could leave in the January transfer window, but another injury put paid to that possibility, with the midfielder still sidelined for a couple of weeks at least.
But Fernandes - who could make his debut when United host Wolves on Saturday - now has the chance to make the attacking midfield spot his own, which could ease the expected departure of Pogba in the summer.
United have had an asking price of £150million, but will accept a lot less in the summer to offload Pogba now that they have another creative outlet, according to the Sun.
Fernandes struck 33 goals in 53 games for Sporting last season, while this term he has scored a further 15 goals in 28 games.
United will pay an initial £46.6million for the 25-year-old, with two further add-on payments of £8.5m and £12.7m due on completion of certain clauses.
That could see the total package reach £67.8m - some £10m less than the figure demanded by Sporting earlier this month as they played hardball over their star man - with the aforementioned clauses dependant on Champions League qualification, club appearances and personal milestones.
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