The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Paul Pogba's agent has put Chelsea and Manchester City on alert by claiming the Frenchman could quit Juventus within a year.
Pogba has developed into one of the world’s finest midfielders during his time in Turin, with England’s wealthiest clubs prepared to move for the 21-year-old as soon as they receive encouragement.
That now appears to have arrived from Pogba’s representative, Mino Raiola. The Frenchman signed a new contract with the Serie A champions less than three months ago but according to Raiola, that is no guarantee he will be around for the long term.
“It’s normal that he might leave in a year,” Raiola told Italian television station Mediaset. “He is one of the best eight players in the world and the top European clubs like him.
“We’ve renewed at Juventus and he feels great there, and he is playing very well. Will he leave? It’s up to Juventus, we’ve renewed his contract, we’re happy there but when the right moment comes to leave, we will seize it.
“I always knew how talented he was, but when you bring such a young player to Italy, it’s not easy for him to make an impact immediately.
Chelsea's potential 'ins and outs' during the January transfer window
“He’s grown quicker than even I expected. Pavel Nedved (former Juve midfielder and current board member) said he is good enough to be considered for the World Player of the Year award.”
Pogba left Manchester United to join Juventus in 2012, after opting not to sign a new deal at Old Trafford. It seems certain that when he does depart, his transfer fee will be one of the highest in history.
Juve’s transfer and contract chief Giuseppe Marotta had earlier insisted: “Every European club is watching and has been in contact, but Pogba is an important player and we don’t need to sell him.”
