Paul Pogba is not for sale as repeatedly made clear by Manchester United but a proposed swap deal from Real Madrid could convince Old Trafford to reconsider. Los Blancos are hoping that four of the club's stars, led by Martin Odegaard, coming to England would win the release of Pogba in time for the next transfer window.
The move by the Spanish giants is seen as a last recourse to get Pogba to La Liga following the Red Devils' continued refusal to talk business on the Frenchman. Likewise, by offering Odegaard and three more players, said to include James Rodriguez, Lucas Vazquez, and Brahim Diaz, the Bernabeu side is hoping to avoid paying United's premium price for Pogba of £89 million.
While the 21-year-old Odegaard could prod United to take a second look as he fits the rebuild plan being implemented by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it would seem the English side is more interested in generating cash flow.
According to The Sun, United is bracing for the projected financial storm seen to hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. Already, the club has reportedly taken out a loan amounting to £140 million for the team to ride out the global health crisis.
If indeed United will require further cash injections, a possibility hinted recently by Ed Woodward, then releasing the likes of Pogba could emerge as an option. But going for a swap deal could be ruled out as the Frenchman can be converted into cash by selling him.
With more money available, United is at least assured of getting through the pandemic, or the club can use part of the cash to fund the planned acquisitions by Solskjaer.
Talk Sport said the Red Devils are plotting several high-profile signings for next season. The latest prospect by the club is Timo Werner, whose reported transfer talks with Liverpool have been derailed by the COVID-19 spread.
Also in the hunt list of Solskjaer are Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, and Jadon Sancho. It is the latter signing, however, that is seen as the club's focus. The Borussia Dortmund ace proved a prolific goalscorer for his Bundesliga side with 14 goals cleared in the German competition so far.
Getting Sancho back to England, however, will cost United big. Reports said BVB will not agree to a transfer deal on the 20-year-old striker for less £100 million.
If the plan to sign Sancho will not flourish, United can simply keep Pogba for at least another year, and in which case Solskjaer can push ahead with his vision of pairing the World Cup winner with January signing Bruno Fernandes.
