Transfer Talk: Poch plots to lure Pogba to Paris

Paris Saint-Germain are stepping up their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Mirror claim boss Mauricio Pochettino views the Red Devils midfielder, 28, as his potential marquee signing this summer as he looks to get PSG back on top. 

Having surrendered their Ligue 1 title to Lille last term, a major rebuild is already ongoing in Paris with Achraf Hakimi, Gini Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma among the club's new recruits. 

Now they have turned attention to Pogba, with the French gitants reportedly looking to raise the £50million they believe will make United part with their enigmatic Frenchman.

The Red Devils have made no secret of their wish to extend the star's contract at Old Trafford but talks have yet to progress to any kind of agreement.

With only one year left on his current deal, Pogba will be free to open talks with foreign clubs in January with a view to leaving for nothing. 

It is that prospect that may force United officials to hear PSG out should they submit an offer.

Arsenal Mad about Leicester star

Arsenal will offer Leicester cash and some of their fringe stars as they attempt to bring creative midfielder James Maddison to the Emirates.

Maddison, 24, only signed a new four-year deal with the Foxes last season, reportedly worth around £100k per week, putting the Midlands outfit in an extremely strong bargaining position.

But the Gunners believe a deal can be struck and are happy to bulk up any bid with the sweetener of squad players also heading in the opposite direction.

Names thought to be on the table include 21-year-old winger Reiss Nelson and 23-year-old utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the latter having been previously linked to Leicester.

Such an offer would also comprise of £50m in cash as Mikel Arteta desperately looks to add more flair ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners landed Albert Sambi Lokonga, 21, from Anderlecht earlier this week for a fee of around £17m and are set to pursue several other options before next month’s big kick-off.

In other news

Tottenham are closing in on on a deal for 20-year-old Sevilla winger Bryan Gil, according to Sky Sports.

As well as paying £21.7m to land their man, Spurs will send Erik Lamela to Spain — ending the 29-year-old's eight-year stint with the club.

Tammy Abraham looks set to exit Chelsea this summer, with the Daily Star suggesting Arsenal are leading the race for the 23-year-old forward.

Tottenham and West Ham are also involved in a three-way London battle for the wantaway England man. 

But it appears the Gunners have the edge and The Sun claim a loan deal could be the quickest and easiest option for all parties.