Three names on Man Utd's transfer wish list in pursuit of Paul Pogba replacement

Manchester United star midfielder Paul Pogba [Courtesy]

Manchester United are beginning to accept that Paul Pogba could leave this summer - and have highlighted three potential signings to replace the wantaway star.

Pogba returned to Old Trafford in a £89million move in 2016 but has cast doubt over his future at United after revealing he is considering "a new challenge".

Speculation on a possible move to Real Madrid or a return to former club Juventus has been mounting since a season in which Pogba faced criticism at times for his performances with United.

As revealed by Mirror Football this month, the Red Devils are ready to dig their heels in and hold out for at least £150million for Pogba this summer.

The Evening Standard has now reported that Pogba will hold talks with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer early next week to push through an Old Trafford exit.

Pogba celebrates after scoring a goal during an English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Bournemouth [Courtesy]

Pogba is desperate to quit the club for pastures new and wants to be given the green light to leave before returning to United for pre-season duty.

The Red Devils fly out to Perth on July 7 and it is understood that Solskjaer wants a fully-assembled squad available, with new signings Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to travel.

And the boss also wants to know which players will be heading for the exit door, with uncertainty over the futures of Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, who is being chased by Inter.

Should Pogba depart, then Solskjaer is keen to sign a direct replacement as early as possible and has already nailed down a three-player shortlist.

Youri Tielemans, Christian Eriksen or James Maddison are top of his wish list, but any move depends on whether Pogba stays put or secures a switch.

Tielemans impressed on loan at Leicester last season while fellow Foxes favourite Maddison enjoyed a stunning debut season in the Premier League.

Eriksen, the Tottenham playmaker, has long been linked with a switch to Old Trafford and made clear his desire to have a fresh challenge at the end of last season.