If the name ‘Mino Raiola’ meant nothing to you a few weeks ago, there’s a good chance it does now.
The Italian-born Dutch agent represents a number of high-profile footballers, including new Manchester United signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He also has Paul Pogba on his books, and with the French midfielder potentially on the move this summer, Raiola can’t seem to stop talking about him.
It was said a few weeks back that Real Madrid and Manchester United were in the hunt for Pogba, and with reports surfacing last week that the European champions has ended their interest in the Juventus midfielder, it seemed as though Jose Mourinho has a clear run at the former United midfielder.
But Raiola, who also saw that Henrikh Mkhitaryan made the switch to Old Trafford last week, appeared to suggest Pogba wouldn’t be leaving Italy.
“He is in no rush to leave, and Juventus do not want him to go. They want him to renew his contract.
“Paul is not desperate to move. We are very happy at Juventus and they are a club that want to keep their star players.”
As much as this disappointed United supporters, it doesn’t mean that Raiola is done talking about Pogba.
Wednesday’s Marca features *more* Raiola quotes, as he discussed how he had wanted Pogba to make the move to Chelsea last summer. Again, he stresses that a move from Juve isn’t something that the midfielder is desperate for still manages to offer a glimmer of hope.
“Last year, when the bid came in, I really wanted him to go to Chelsea. It didn’t happen but this year we will see.
“Juve do not want to sell him and there is a chance for us to talk about a new contract. He feels no need to leave.
“But if you come with a project that will make Paul want to leave, we’ll talk with the club.”
In other words, make him a massive offer and he might be tempted.