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By DOMINIC HOGAN Published: 01: 46 AEDT, 19 December 2024 | Updated: 02: 00 AEDT, 19 December 2024 5 View comments Marseille's president has refused to 'close the door' on bringing Paul Pogba back to France. Pogba's four-year drugs ban was slashed to 18 months earlier this season, meaning that the former Manchester United midfielder can return to the grass as early as March next year. While his suspension was cut by some two-and-a-half years, he parted ways with his club Juventus shortly after the news broke of his impending comeback, rendering him a free agent. As such, there have been a number of clubs linked with one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation. Corinthians in Brazil have been linked in what would be a surprise move, while Manchester City - more surprising still - have also been connected by some reports. However, Marseille have consistently been linked with Pogba's services, with former France team-mate Dimitri Payet personally endorsing a move to the Ligue 1 title contenders. Paul Pogba has been linked with a number of clubs ahead of his return to action next year Marseille president Pablo Longoria refused to rule out a move for the World Cup winner Pogba is a free agent after leaving Juventus in the wake of his suspension being reduced Another former team-mate for both club and country, Adrien Rabiot also voiced his hopes to link up with Pogba once more, having signed for Marseille on a free over summer. At a press conference on Wednesday morning Marseille president Pablo Longoria was asked about the club's links to Pogba. 'I'm not closing the door, because he's a world-class player, ' he said. 'We have to analyse, since he's on the market and it's always good to take advantage of these opportunities and have great players in your team. 'There are no advanced discussions with him. We will have an internal meeting to set all the transfer window objectives. 'He is a player that I respect but we must analyse. No decisions have been made on his case. ' The player himself has already told the media that he is open to moving back to Ligue 1, though it was hardly a ringing endorsement. 'Playing in France? ' He said to L'Equipe in October. 'Why not? You don't know what tomorrow will bring. Why not play in Ligue 1, I wouldn't be obliged to say no. ' Marseille are currently second in the top-flight behind Paris Saint-Germain trailing by seven points, ahead of Monaco only on goal difference. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group