Man United given Paul Pogba contract boost as midfielder prepares for training return

Manchester United's Paul Pogba is expected to return to first-team training this week (Image: COURTESY)

Manchester United remain confident that Paul Pogba will extend his stay with the Premier League giants

Pogba, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, was widely expected to leave Old Trafford and has been continually linked with a move since last summer.

Real Madrid and Pogba's former club Juventus have frequently been credited with an interest in the France midfielder, who admitted last summer it would be "a dream" to ply his trade at the Bernabeu under Zinedine Zidane.

Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has also helped fuel speculation, having criticised United over their handling of his client.

But it recently emerged that Pogba has made clear his desire to stay put at Old Trafford and now The Athletic have suggested a new contract could be on the horizon.

A source told the publication: “He could well re-sign. Watching the win over Manchester City and you can see where the team is going.”

It is also understood that the French World Cup winner is expected to return to training with his teammates on Tuesday, having not trained with the first-team since undergoing an ankle operation in January.

Pogba's current deal expires at the end of next season, although it contains an option for a further season.

The 27-year-old has not been a consistent performer since rejoining United from Juventus for a then world-record £89million in 2016.

He has been sidelined by injury for most of this season, and it is believed United were resigned to selling him this summer rather than lose him cheaply next year.

Pogba has made just eight appearances for the Red Devils this term as they target a place in next season's Champions League.