Manchester United midfielder reportedly Paul Pogba still wants out of Old Trafford – and could use a lesser-known rule in the FIFA transfer regulations to escape.
The injury-stricken midfielder has only turned out for United eight times this season due to ankle troubles but the war between agent Mino Raiola and the Reds hierarchy continues.
The World Cup winner has been linked to Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid but will not return to Juventus as Raiola suggested in February.
And having served the required three years at United, Pogba could enact Article 17 of the FIFA rules, which allows a player to buy out his contract and terminate it with immediate effect - expected to cost around €50-60million.
According to L'Equipe, Pogba and his representatives are not currently looking to take such drastic action by burning bridges in such a manner with a move away far from a certainty - but the option has been considered.
The FIFA regulations state that the first three years of a contract is defined as the 'protected period'.
But Article 17 then continues: “Unilateral breach without just cause or sporting just cause after the protected period shall not result in sporting sanctions.”
Pogba's stay at Old Trafford progressed beyond the protected period in August 2019 on the three-year anniversary of his move from Juve.
It has also been reported by Spanish outlet AS that Pogba would prefer a switch to Real over Juventus or a contract extension in Manchester.
