Mino Raiola, who represents 18 year-old Pogba, as well as Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli, has admitted that talks with United over a new deal for French youngster have yet to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson publicly questioned the advice being given to Pogba by his representatives two months ago, but the Scot’s revelation last week that Rio Ferdinand has been helping to convince the player to stay at Old Trafford was viewed as a sign of progress in attempts to tie the former Le Havre player down to a long-term contract.
Ferguson then hinted that Pogba would play some part against Ajax, but with the player omitted from the match day squad and understood to have trained with the reserves on the day of the game, progress on contract talks now appears to have ground to a halt.
“We are discussing with the club – that is the situation.” Raiola said. “It is a precarious situation and it is difficult at the moment.
“Manchester United want him. It is up to the boy to make some decisions. It is never nice for the player not to be in the squad.
“It is the same for any player, including Balotelli, but we must keep our minds cool and heads cool. Some things are good. Some things are not good [in this situation.]”
United overcame stern resistance from Le Havre to sign Pogba in Oct 2009, with the French outfit threatening to report the Old Trafford club to Fifa for poaching before ultimately standing aside.
A rangy midfielder, Pogba is regarded as a genuine talent and prospect by United, but has yet to start a game having made four substitute appearances.
United have an option to extend his contract by one-year beyond this summer, but Juventus, AC Milan, Manchester City and Arsenal all monitoring Pogba, Raiola insists that every avenue will be explored in order to agree a deal at Old Trafford.
“We know there are some clubs interested in him.” Raiola said. “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. We are talking contract terms. There is willingness from both parties at the moment.”