This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
Manchester United's preparations for Paul Pogba's potential exit have taken a significant step forward with the club closing in on a move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Lazio midfielder is reportedly fine-tuning personal terms over a £70m transfer, with his agent flying into the UK to meet with United chiefs.
According to reports in Italy, United already have a deal in place for Milinkovic-Savic, but it will only be activated if Pogba departs for Real Madrid.
United's move to secure a contingency plan to replace their star midfielder suggests they believe Pogba could be on his way out.
Pogba and his agent, Mino Raiola, have publicly expressed his desire to move on and take on a new challenge, with Real Madrid set to step up their pursuit.
United's readiness to replace Pogba with a direct replacement in Milinkovic-Savic is a boost to their hopes, while Juventus have also been linked with a move.
Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala is said to be willing to consider a move amid United and Tottenham interest, which could give Juventus the funds to launch a bid to bring back Pogba.
Real Madrid remain the favourites to sign Pogba, with his brother, Mathias, hinting he is confident he will end up at the Bernabeu by pushing for his own next club to be near the Spanish capital.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken highly of Pogba's attitude, urging United fans not to vent their frustrations with the player when he returns from their pre-season tour.
However, a move looks increasingly likely as United close in on Milinkovic-Savic and wait to discover just how close Real Madrid will get to their £180m price tag.
