In-demand Paul Pogba is set to have his Manchester United contract extended by a further year despite growing speculation surrounding his future.
The French World Cup winner has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid over the past year and hasn't played for the Red Devils since their 1-1 draw with Arsenal in September.
Pogba has been battling injury but has also been dominating the headlines in recent days after a video emerged of him partying at his brother's wedding over the weekend before a bout of illness.
And now The Athletic are reporting Manchester United are readying an automatic contract extension that would tie the 26-year-old down to 2022.
The former Juventus star's deal expires in 2021 with speculation intensifying that Zinedine Zidane's side could be readying an offer to take him to Spain.
But it appears likely United will move to extend Pogba's deal as they look to protect themselves ahead of the January transfer window.
A source said: “They can activate it at any point.
“Tomorrow or the day before it expires. It’s just an email: 'To let you know we are triggering the option.’”
It's been a frustrating season for the midfielder with Scotland international Scott McTominay establishing himself as the main man in the heart of the United midfield.
Ole Gunnar Solskajer 's side have had some bumps along the way but supporters have been buoyed after recent wins over Tottenham and Manchester City.
And one agent reckons the club face a battle to recoup the £89m they paid Juventus in a world record deal back in 2016 if teams make their move.
They said: “Perhaps £80 million, I’d guess.
“His value is down because he has not been playing. From a club view, after the last few months, he is a risky acquisition.”
