Article body analysed
By RYAN WALKER Published: 07: 09 AEDT, 15 December 2024 | Updated: 08: 02 AEDT, 15 December 2024 62 View comments Manchester City have identified Paul Pogba as a potential midfield addition amidst the club's dismal run of form but could be prevented by the player having a key issue over a move to the Etihad, according to a new report. The Independent reports that Pogba is a target for the Premier League champions, but the player has reservations over joining the club. Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in January reinforcements to solve City's current crisis that has seen them win just one of their last 10 games in all competitions, losing seven of those matches. The 31-year-old will be able to return to playing in March after having his initial four-year doping ban reduced to just eight months, but the player is concerned about returning to Manchester after his previous experiences with United. Pogba previously endured two separate spells at Old Trafford with the second of those ending in sour circumstances before his departure at the end of the 2021/22 season. United forked out a club record £89m fee for the box-to-box midfielder in 2016 after previously letting him join Juventus on a free transfer as a youngster during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign. Manchester City have identified Paul Pogba as a potential midfield addition Pep Guardiola (left) could attempt to bring Pogba to City as the club search for a way out of their current dismal run of form Pogba has reservations over returning to the Premier League where he failed to live up to the potential that previously saw United break the bank for his signature His return to Manchester saw him play a pivotal role in helping the club win the Europa League and Carabao Cup, however disagreements with former manager Jose Mourinho and Untied supporters tainted his stay. The Independent's report continues by claiming the Frenchman is keen to avoid ruining his relationship with United fans by joining their nearest rivals. Pogba is reportedly keen to avoid such a situation and has reservations over returning to the Premier League where he failed to live up to the potential that previously saw United break the bank for his signature. The ex-Juventus star is keen to return to playing at the top level in European football but is said to prefer a move to Serie A, La Liga, or the Bundesliga. Guardiola is searching for players he believes can make an instant impact with his side's Premier League and Champions League ambitions already at risk of being extinguished. A season-ending injury to Rodri has had a massive destabilising impact on City's season and Guardiola has been unable to find the correct solution with Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic in midfield. Pogba scored 39 goals and registered 48 assists in 233 Man United appearances, but his lack of defensive contribution was often a frustration of club supporters and coaching staff around him. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group