Manchester United knock back stunning Barcelona bid for Pogba

Manchester United have rejected an audacious £45m bid plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes for Paul Pogba, claims Sky Sports.

Barcelona want to prise Pogba away from Old Trafford and the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, is also desperate to move his client to Camp Nou.

United only re-signed Pogba from Juventus two years ago but his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho has strained since the turn of the year.

Pogba is reportedly open to leaving United but Mourinho’s side unsurprisingly have no interest in selling their star midfielder.

Even if United were willing to cash in on Pogba, there isn’t enough time for the Premier League giants to find an adequate replacement for the 2018 World Cup winner.

The transfer window for English clubs shuts on Thursday and United are already busily trying to get at least one new face through the door.

Losing Pogba in that time is unthinkable for United, even if Barcelona are willing to offer one of the players Mourinho is interested in.

Mourinho wants to sign a new centre-back and has considered Mina, who is free to leave Barcelona.

Barcelona are also desperate to get Gomes off their books after the Portugal international’s failed two-year stint at the club.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have already signed two central midfielders this summer but are keen to add Pogba to their current options.

Pogba is expected to miss United’s season opener against Leicester on Friday night after only returning to pre-season on Monday.

The 25-year-old has been heavily criticised during his time at United, while Mourinho can also do more to get the best out of him.

Nevertheless, of those that started at least 15 matches in the Premier League last season, only three players required fewer minutes per assist than Pogba (1 every 215.1 minutes of action).