Newcastle link, Man City rejection, Man United return - Everything said about Paul Pogba's next move

Paul Pogba's Manchester United career ended in tatters and it's gone downhill for the midfielder since then.

A disastrous second spell at Juventus was bookmarked by further injuries and a doping ban. Since then, his ban has been reduced, meaning he can return to professional football in March 2025.

Unfortunately for Pogba, as confirmed by the man himself last week on social media platform Instagram, his return will not come in Turin with the midfielder set to part ways with the Italian giants. With Pogba effectively now a free agent, the prospect of him returning to the Premier League has been suggested.

As such, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at everything that's been said about Pogba's return to the Premier League and what it could mean;

Pogba's potential United return

First thing to mention is that a third stint at United seems almost impossible. In an interview with Sky Sports, he batted off the idea of returning to Old Trafford in the future, but he did insist: "I don't want to lose the level I'm at.

"If I can surpass it, this is what I want. I'm still the same player but with a different hunger.

"I'm more motivated. I'm more hungry. I will appreciate the game more than before, after it was taken away from me. I realised how important it was for me.

"I tasted what life is after the career." Despite rumours elsewhere suggesting otherwise, Pogba is not planning to return to United to keep his fitness levels up, either.

Newcastle and West Ham rumours

According to a report in Spain - via Football365 - both Newcastle and West Ham have now made Pogba their top transfer target. The fact that he's a free agent could likely entice those Premier League clubs especially with every side watching their purse-strings amid FFP caution.

Man City rejection

In the wake of him departing United, Pogba has claimed he had a number of options on the table. Juventus were always seen as the favourite to bring their popular ex-player back to the club.

However, before joining the Turin team, Pogba was 'offered' the chance to remain in Manchester by Pep Guardiola. According to the Frenchman, when asked by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba chose to reject Manchester City's manager as he preferred a return to Italy...

Motivation behind Premier League return

While Pogba could quite easily move to Saudi Arabia or the United States to make the most money, it's believed his motivating factor is not a hefty pay packet. It's understood Pogba wants to return to an established European league to give himself a good chance of returning to the French national team.

This is thought to be one of his guiding motives behind joining a Premier League club or another side from one of the top nations. However, the midfielder, now 31, understands it's a tough road that lies ahead.

"I hope [I can return to the France squad]," he told Sky Sports. "It's in my mind, for sure. I have to be ready for that. There are players who deserve to play and I have to win my place back. I'm ready to fight."