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Manchester United are reportedly set to trigger contract extensions for midfielders Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matić. Matić’s deal was due to expire at the end of the current season, though he’s now likely to stay until at least next summer. Several sources are reporting the story, and it appears the deed may already have been done. Football may have stopped, but the squad building certainly hasn’t.
More intriguing is the decision to trigger an extension in Pogba’s contract, as reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. Despite big questions over the Frenchman’s long-term United future, Romano says a decision was made to extend Pogba’s contract six months ago.
Man United are in contact with Matic’s agent to extend his contract until June 2021 (not a new deal, just ready to trigger 1 year extension).#MUFC have also decided 6 months ago to do the same with Paul Pogba if necessary (until June 2022) - but he can be sold on next summer
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2020
The decision makes sense for United, even if Pogba wants out, not least because it should mean they’re able to command a higher transfer fee. According to sources quoted by Football365, Pogba is still determined to leave United, and could make a return to former club Juventus in the summer. The Bianconeri are said to be willing to cough up €100 million (around £93m) to bring the Frenchman back to Turin. Watch this space.