Manchester City are now the favourites to sign Juventus star Paul Pogba after Barcelona pulled out of the race for the French midfielder, according to the Daily Mirror.
Both City and Barcelona have been long-term admirers of Pogba, who is believed to be worth in the region of £85m, but, due to financial restrictions, the Catalan giants have been forced to withdraw their interest despite having already agreed in principle to sign the playmaker in the summer.
With Yaya Toure poised for a summer departure, according to his agent, the ex-Manchester United man could be the Ivorian’s replacement.
Wages could, however, be a stumbling block in negotiations, with Pogba demanding in excess of £250,000 per week.
Financial capabilities are not an issue for the Sky Blues but, with Financial Fair Play regulations, incoming boss Pep Guardiola could be forced to be at the helm of a summer exodus in order to provide legal funds to sign players.
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid are expected to rival the Citizens for the signing of one of the world’s biggest prospects.
Any deal is likely to be negotiations following the end of France’s Euro 2016 campaign, which Pogba is set to be heavily involved in.
