Manchester United would accept £30million for Paul Pogba during the January transfer window — and Xavi wants him at Barcelona.
That's the verdict from pundit and former Premier League striker, Noel Whelan, after reports emerged suggesting that the Frenchman is set to run down his contract emerged.
According to El Nacional, the 28-year-old has been included on a four-man shortlist penned in by Xavi ahead of his impending appointment as Barca manager.
Speculation over Pogba's future hit fever pitch ahead of the 2021/2022 season when the World Cup winner and 'super agent' Mino Raiola turned down a new terms from the Premier League giants — worth a reported £50million to the player amid long-standing interest from PSG and Real Madrid.
Since then, ESPN reported that United are now prepared to let Pogba leave on a free transfer next summer.
Would-be suitors have one last opportunity to come calling before Pogba's contract expires — during the January transfer window, where key figures in the boardroom 'would accept £30million', reports claim.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds player Whelan said: "Even if you get £30million, it's £30million towards another player. It's £30million into the club, a lot of money. At the same time, if it's not the club that he's got his heart set on that's offering that £30million, he's got no option but to wait until to the end of the season.
"Has it been a good signing? No, it really hasn't.
"He gets the performances for his national side, but he certainly hasn't hit the heights of what we see playing for France in a Manchester United shirt. Pogba hasn't been the leader that you see in the France team. He hasn't been that special player.
"It's been very disappointing, because we were all excited about seeing him when he first came back to England."
Elsewhere, cash-strapped Barcelona are one step closer to signing Donny van de Beek — as per a report from Sport. .
The 24-year-old has endured a challenging time at Old Trafford since his £35million switch from Ajax.
A number of clubs have been linked with van de Beek and he was close to a loan switch to Everton this summer.
However, as attentions turn to the January transfer window, the former Ajax midfielder has been tipped to team up with his Netherlands teammate and long-time friend Frenkie de Jong.
Those two players are both represented by Ali Dursun after the United man changed agents last month.
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