Reports: Juventus demand Pogba in surprising swap deal

Manchester United is looking to sign Douglas Costa in a swap deal for Paul Pogba

What's the story?

According to Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport, Manchester United is looking to sign Douglas Costa from Juventus in a swap deal for Paul Pogba in summer.

In case you didn't know...

The French international, Paul Pogba joined Manchester United in 2016 for a then world record fee of £89 million and was regarded as one of the best players in the world. However, he failed to live up to his expectations and was often criticized for his performances.

On the other hand, Douglas Costa joined Juventus on loan during the 2017-2018 season and the move was later made permanent at the start of the 2018-2019 season. The Brazillian played 65 games in all competitions for the Old Lady thus far, scoring six goals.

The heart of the matter

Juventus are keen to re-sign their former midfield star Paul Pogba and could make a move for him next summer. The Frenchman is still in touch with many former team-mates and despite the sacking of José Mourinho, the Old Lady hopes that during the next transfer campaign, there could be a chance to take the midfielder back to Italy.

According to Tuttosport, Manchester United are not standing against Pogba’s possible return to Juventus. The Premier League giants, in fact, could discuss the possible sale of their midfielder if Juventus allow Douglas Costa to travel the opposite direction.

The Turin-based paper claims Manchester United have offered Juventus to swap the two players at the end of the season.

Pogba’s impact on the Red Devils’ balance sheet is around €50 million but Ed Woodward is looking for an €80 million sale, at least. With Douglas Costa included in the deal, Juventus could lower Pogba’s price-tag and complete the player’s return to Turin at the end of the season.