Manchester United 'deny Paul Pogba ransom reports'

Manchester United have moved to deny reports that midfielder Paul Pogba is holding the club to ransom over a new deal.

It had been reported that the French international and his agent Mino Raiola were attempting to broker a new deal that would see the former Juventus man pick up £600,000 a week.

That sort of money would put Pogba on similar money to that earned by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with it believed that the United academy graduate would attempt to force through a move, potentially to Real Madrid, if these terms could not be agreed.

However, an Old Trafford insider has told the Daily Mirror that these reports have no foundation, saying: "Pogba's only focus right now is trying to be fit to help his team-mates.

"Reports of him demanding £600,000-a-week to stay aren't true. Paul has two years left on his contract so time is on our side in terms of discussions on a new deal."

Pogba will miss Sunday's game with Newcastle United and France's upcoming internationals with Albania and Andorra with an ankle problem.