Manchester City ‘plot STUNNING move for Paul Pogba’ as Pep Guardiola searches for midfield reinforcements… but Premier League champions face one key stumbling block to secure the former United star’s services

Manchester City have identified Paul Pogba as a potential midfield addition amidst the club’s dismal run of form but could be prevented by the player having a key issue over a move to the Etihad, according to reports.

Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in January reinforcements to solve City’s current crisis that has seen them win just one of their last 10 games in all competitions, losing seven of those matches.

Pogba could provide a readymade and freely available solution to Guardiola’s current grave concerns, but the player has reservations over joining the reigning Premier League champions, as reported by The Independent.

The 31-year-old will be able to return to playing in March after having his initial four-year doping ban reduced to just eight months, but the player is concerned about returning to Manchester after his previous experiences with United.

Pogba previously endured two separate spells at Old Trafford with the second of those ending in sour circumstances before his departure at the end of the 2021/22 season. 

Pep Guardiola (left) could attempt to bring Pogba to City as the club search for a way out of their current dismal run of form

United forked out a club record £89m fee for the box-to-box midfielder in 2016 after previously letting him join Juventus on a free transfer as a youngster during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

His return to Manchester saw him play a pivotal role in helping the club win the Europa League and Carabao Cup, however disagreements with former manager Jose Mourinho and Untied supporters tainted his stay.

Should he join City, the Frenchman will find himself back on familiar territory but his relationship with United supporters will be left in tatters.

Pogba is keen to avoid such a situation and has reservations over returning to the Premier League where he failed to live up to the potential that previously saw United break the bank for his signature.

However, City could attempt to persuade Pogba with a weighty pay packet and the chance to compete for top honours on a consistent basis – something that he struggled to do with United. 

Guaridola is searching for players he believes can make an instant impact with his side’s Premier League and Champions League ambitions already at risk of being extinguished. 

More to follow.