Man United 'identify' Barca star as Pogba replacement - but City want him too

Pogba's contract expires at the end of the season and there is currently no sign of fresh terms being agreed, with the midfielder thought to be asking the club for double his £290,000-a-week salary.

The 28-year-old could be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs in January, amid links to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, as United risk losing their most expensive player ever for nothing.

However, with question marks over his consistency and constant speculation over his future, fuelled by agent Mino Raiola, it is understood the Red Devils are already considering life without Pogba.

And according to the Independent, Netherlands star De Jong could be his replacement at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old established himself as one of football's most promising young players at Ajax, starring alongside Donny van de Beek, who now can't get a game for United.

Champions League Edge Special - Get Cristiano Ronaldo to score after 75th minute at 9/2

De Jong, on the other hand, has been a regular starter for Barca ever since his £65million move from Ajax in 2019, but the Catalans have declined in those years and currently find themselves £1billion in debt.

Despite signing De Jong with a vision to put the Dutchman at the centre of the club's future, it is now thought the Spanish giants would accept a bid of £75m for the highly-rated midfielder, in order to raise funds.

United, though, could face competition for De Jong from local rivals and Premier League champions Man City.

Pep Guardiola's side has been linked with the Barca man, with rumours of a potential swap deal involving Raheem Sterling, although City have since dismissed those reports.