Speculation that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United this summer is mounting, with top clubs in Italy keen to secure the talented youngster. It was disappointing to learn that Pogba is now represented by Mino Raiola, the same agent as Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who doesn’t have the best reputation. He is ruthless and money-driven, meaning he is unlikely to be encouraging Pogba to sign a deal with United.

“It is a precarious situation,” Raiola told The Independent. “It is difficult at the moment. Manchester United want him. It is up to the boy to make some decisions. We know there are some clubs interested in him. We must finish first with Manchester and after that we will see other options, if they are there. The club give the indication that they want to keep him and we are talking contract terms. There is willingness from both parties at the moment.”

Rumours suggest that Pogba was given a deadline to decide by Sir Alex Ferguson, which has come and gone, explaining his absence from the Ajax squad, although some reports suggest he has until Friday to make a decision.

“It is never nice for the player not to be in the squad,” he said. “We must keep our minds cool and heads cool. Some things are good. Some things are not good [in this situation].”